Police have formally suspended the search for missing Tasmanian fisherman Kerry Frankcombe today.
75-year-old Frankcombe was reported missing on 10 September after he failed to return from a fishing trip in the Port Sorell area.
His 6-metre half cab vessel was located unmanned and adrift around 12km from the coast of Beechford early the next day.
Police say the significant search was suspended “following an independent review”.
“Considerable search efforts have been undertaken between Port Sorell and Beechford, utilising significant resources, but unfortunately Mr Frankcombe has not been located,” a Police spokesperson said.
“We believe Mr Frankcombe ended up in the water without a life jacket, and we’ve received expert medical advice that sadly he could not have survived the conditions for this length of time”.
Police say they will continue to investigate any new information received into the 75-year-old Deloraine man’s disappearance “in the hope of providing closure for his family and loved ones”.
A report will be prepared for the Coroner.
