A man is missing and a crime scene has been declared after a fire tore through a boat in Queensland’s north over the weekend.
The catamaran was reported to emergency services at about midday on Saturday after it was seen on fire in the Johnson River at Innisfail.
Raffaele Pagliarini, the owner of the vessel named Yalo, was last seen on board on Friday.
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Queensland police have sent out a plea for public help to locate the 66-year-old man who is now missing.
“The vessel has been declared a crime scene and police divers are returning to the vessel today to conduct searches of the surrounding area,” a police spokesperson said.
Friends of Pagliarini have taken to social media to ask locals to keep a lookout.
“We are reaching out to you with great concern for our dear friend, Raffaele Pagliarini (Raff),” one friend said.
Missing man Raffaele Pagliarini was last seen on board his boat ‘Yalo’ on Friday before it was destroyed by fire. Credit: Facebook
“We kindly request your assistance in locating him or providing any information that may help us find him.”
“I hope he is found safe and sound soon,” another person said.
Locals said Pagliarini was renowned for his hospitality and for making wood fire pizzas on board his boat, with one friend noting he had over 40 years’ experience boating.
Pagliarini is described as Caucasian in appearance, approximately 175cm tall, with an Italian accent, brown eyes and brown hair.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.
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