Mystery deepens after experienced sports fisherman vanished on calm seas and his intact boat was found adrift

An inactive Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon has been found in the ongoing search for fisherman Ashley Haigh.

The 44-year-old was reported missing on Thursday night after he failed to return from a fishing trip off the Gold Coast.

Mr Haigh was an experienced fisherman.

His empty boat was found 46km offshore about 2am on Friday and the EPIRB was discovered about 25km off Ballina on Saturday.

Mr Haigh is former president and current member of Gold Coast Game Fish Club, which is supporting his loved ones while the desperate search continues.

It is understood numerous members have joined the hunt for the missing fisherman.

On Saturday, authorities confirmed search efforts had expanded to northern New South Wales waters, from Byron Bay to Evans Heads.

Acting Senior Sergeant Shannon Gray told reporters that Mr Haigh’s boat was found ‘generally in good condition’.

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Ashley Haigh (right) was reported missing on Thursday night after failing to return from a fishing trip

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Searchers found an inactive Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon in the ongoing search for Mr Haigh (above)

‘He had a lot of marine experience,’ he said.

‘The water conditions yesterday were ideal… The boat itself is generally in good condition, there is some water in the hull but further examination will take place.’

Act Snr Sgt Gray said the keys to the boat were on a seat inside and that only three of four lifejackets on board had been located.

‘But the information source can’t 100 per cent confirm there were four, so at this stage we’re unaware,’ he said.

‘That’s the best-case scenario and that will give him a better chance if he is in the water with that lifejacket on.

‘His phone, we haven’t been able to locate, but it’s believed it was in the boat somewhere. He may have it on him.

‘I’ve spoken with his wife multiple times today – it’s a very difficult time for them.’

Data from Flightware showed a rescue plane leaving Melbourne just before midnight on Friday and circling the area of the unmanned boat for about five hours.

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Officers discovered Mr Haigh’s empty boat on Friday

Queensland Police said at least one aircraft and five vessels are currently searching.

A GoFundMe was created on Sunday to help support Mr Haigh’s family.

‘We are raising funds on behalf of Jess and the family to help ease their minds during this very difficult time,’ organiser Amber Scherrenberg wrote.

‘Ash a very experienced gamefisher went out on Thursday to enjoy a day on the water, with all intentions of joining his family for dinner that night.

‘Unfortunately he has not come home and has not been able to be located after an exhausting search.’

Ms Scherrenberg described Mr Haigh as a beloved dad and partner.

‘We know that everyone who has ever come in contact with him will remember his infectious laugh, great sense of humour and have so many good times to share,’ Ms Scherrenberg wrote.

‘Losing Ash suddenly is unfathomable and we want Jess and the kids to not have the extra stress that comes with losing the main financial provider while they navigate this time.’