LIVE – HAPPENING NOW: Police cameras, rewinding footage from the shoreline, show Ash Haigh stepping off the pier and turning around just twice, a small gesture that his family says they’ve never seen before 👇
In a dramatic new development in the tragic case of missing Gold Coast fisherman Ashley “Ash” Haigh, authorities have released and analyzed shoreline surveillance footage that captures what may be the last confirmed moments of the 44-year-old before he set out on his ill-fated solo fishing trip. The video, reviewed by police investigators, shows Haigh stepping off a pier—likely at or near the Runaway Bay Marina or a nearby access point on the Gold Coast—and turning around twice in a brief, unusual manner. Family members have described this behavior as out of character, fueling speculation and renewed emotional strain as the search for answers continues.
The Final Moments Captured on Camera
The footage in question comes from fixed police or public surveillance cameras positioned along the shoreline or marina area. According to reports circulating in live updates and media discussions, the clip depicts Haigh walking purposefully toward the water’s edge, stepping off the pier structure, and then pausing to glance back—turning his head or body twice in quick succession. This small action, lasting mere seconds, has struck his loved ones as anomalous.
His family has stated publicly that Ash “never” exhibited this kind of hesitant or backward-looking behavior when heading out to sea. As an experienced game fisherman and president of the local Gold Coast Game Fish Club, Haigh was known for his confidence on the water. Friends and relatives describe him as excited for the solo outing on Thursday, February 5, 2026, intending to target marlin in calm conditions before returning home for dinner with his wife and children.
The double turn has become a focal point in public discourse, with some interpreting it as a possible moment of second-guessing, distraction, or even an unnoticed interaction. Police have not officially commented on the footage’s implications, but sources indicate it is part of a broader review of his final onshore movements. No evidence of foul play has been suggested, and authorities maintain that the disappearance appears non-suspicious—a tragic accident at sea.
From Departure to Discovery: Timeline of Events
Ash Haigh departed from the Runaway Bay Marina (or nearby The Spit area) just after 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 5, aboard his black half-cabin pleasure craft. He was alone, equipped for a day of deep-sea game fishing—a pursuit he loved and excelled at. Conditions were favorable: calm seas, good visibility, and no immediate weather threats.
By around 7 p.m. that evening, when he failed to return as planned, family raised the alarm. Queensland Police and rescue services launched an immediate response. Early Friday morning, about 2 a.m., his empty boat was located floating unmanned approximately 25–46 kilometers (roughly 14–25 nautical miles) offshore, southeast of the Gold Coast Seaway near Burleigh Heads.
The vessel was intact, with no signs of struggle or damage. Notably, one life jacket was missing from the boat, though police could not confirm whether Haigh was wearing it. A single fishing rod was found on board, despite reports that he typically carried multiple. An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) registered to Haigh was later recovered inactive about 25 kilometers off Ballina in northern New South Wales waters on Saturday, February 7.
The multi-agency search— involving marine vessels, aircraft (including a jet from Melbourne), and cross-border efforts between Queensland and New South Wales—covered over 1,800 square nautical miles. Despite exhaustive operations, no further items, signs of life, or remains were located.
By Monday, February 9, 2026, Queensland Police suspended the active search, shifting to a “recovery phase.” Premier David Crisafulli described the incident as “a real tragedy,” acknowledging Haigh’s contributions as a family man and community member.
Community Grief and a Family’s Plea
Haigh leaves behind a devastated family, including his wife and children, who have shared heart-wrenching appeals for his safe return. His sister, Lauren Haigh, issued a statement calling him a “very loved and special father, husband, brother, son and friend to many.” Friends in the fishing community have praised his skill and warmth, with one longtime acquaintance noting he was “excited” for the trip and always safety-conscious.
A GoFundMe page has been established to support his wife and children during this difficult time, reflecting the outpouring of support from the Gold Coast and broader fishing networks.
The unusual detail in the pier footage has added a layer of poignancy to the case. While it may prove to be nothing more than a fleeting moment, it has given family and supporters something tangible to hold onto amid the uncertainty—a glimpse of Ash in his element, perhaps pausing to take in the day ahead.
Ongoing Questions and Next Steps
Key questions linger:
Does the double turn indicate anything significant, such as noticing something amiss or a last look at shore?
Could additional analysis of the boat, phone pings (reports mention attempts to recover his last mobile signal), or other evidence provide closure?
What role did ocean conditions or an unforeseen incident play in the outcome?
Police continue forensic review and urge anyone with information—particularly dashcam, private CCTV, or witness accounts from the marina area—to come forward. As the active search ends, the focus shifts to supporting the family and honoring a man who lived for the sea.
In the wake of this heartbreaking loss, the Gold Coast fishing community mourns one of its own, remembering Ash Haigh not just for his prowess on the water, but for the love and legacy he leaves behind.
Police call off search for missing Gold Coast father Ash Haigh after boat found empty in open water
‘He was an incredible dad, a loving partner and just an all-round top bloke.’
The search for a Queensland father whose fishing boat was found floating empty out at sea has been suspended, with friends calling rescue efforts “nothing short of extraordinary”.
Police announced on Monday they had called off the search for experienced Gold Coast fisherman Ash Haigh, 44, on Monday, after days of searching to no avail.
A dedicated member of the Gold Coast Game Fishing Club and former president, club members were also out in force looking for Haigh, calling rescue efforts to find their mate “extraordinary”.
“The Gold Coast Game Fish Club want to extend our support to Ash’s family right at the moment and we ask that you all hope and pray for the safe return of our mate,” the club said on Sunday.
“Rest assured that the search efforts undertaken to date are nothing short of extraordinary.”
The Hollywell local set out in his boat from the Gold Coast Seaway to fish for marlin about 6.30am on Thursday.
The black half-cabin pleasure craft failed to return that evening. Police were called, with searches of the surrounding areas and seaways, as well as attempts to make contact with the vessel over the radio, continuing into the night.
About 2am on Friday, his boat The Grey Ghost was found 25 nautical miles southeast of the seaway with no one onboard.
Rescue operations on Friday and over the weekend included a Challenger rescue plane called in from Cairns and a jet deployed from Melbourne. At least four search and rescue helicopters and eight boats were also involved in the search, covering areas as far south as Yamba in NSW.
A GoFundMe set up to support Haigh’s wife Jess and their children has raised over $37,000 since it was created only a day ago.
“Ash, a very experienced game fisher, went out on Thursday to enjoy a day on the water, with all intentions of joining his family for dinner that night,” the fundraiser read.
“Unfortunately he has not come home and has not been able to be located after an exhausting search.”
Haigh was remembered as an “incredible dad, a loving partner and just an all-round top bloke”.
“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,” the GoFundMe pitch continued.
“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.”
Police had earlier said a life jacket was missing from the boat, which held three instead of the four that should have been on board, dramatically increasing Haigh’s chance of survival had he been wearing it.
On Saturday an inactive Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) registered to Haigh was found 14 nautical miles off Ballina.
By Sunday the search and rescue operation transitioned into recovery phase, before it was suspended at last light, police said.
“Police have used both aerial and marine assets to search more than 1800sqnm from the Gold Coast seaway to Yamba across four days, however no further items or signs of life have been located,” they said.
“Officers continue to be in contact with the man’s family who have been advised of this update.”
Investigators will continue to work out whether Haigh fell overboard or was pulled overboard by a marlin which can weigh 200kg.
“Police continue to appeal to anyone with information regarding the man’s location or welfare to come forward,” they said.
