Search, Torres Strait

A search has been launched overnight for a boat reported missing after encountering a storm in the Torres Strait yesterday afternoon.

Initial information is five boats left Saibai Island around 2pm heading towards Yorke Island when they were struck by the storm a short time later.

After the storm passed it was discovered one of the boats was missing. The four other boats continued on to Yorke Island and waited for the fifth.

The alarm was raised around 10pm last night when the fifth boat, with two people on board, failed to arrive.

A search involving a fixed wing aircraft and a helicopter is currently underway.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.

Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.