A search and rescue operation is currently underway for a 55-year-old man from Darwin, identified as Brendon Doherty, who jumped off the Channel Island Bridge into the water last night. He had intended to swim with colleagues when he began drifting downstream shortly after his jump at approximately 9:42pm. Eyewitnesses reported seeing him laughing and enjoying himself in the water moments before he lost control of his movements.
Despite his friends urging him to swim back to shore, he struggled against the strong tide and was last spotted in the middle of the channel heading towards Darwin City. Witnesses only saw him for a brief two minutes before he disappeared from view. At the time, Doherty was wearing steel-capped boots, shorts, and a dark shirt.
Northern Territory emergency services quickly mobilised, deploying the Search and Rescue Section to conduct an extensive search in the Middle Arm area throughout the night. Authorities are appealing for anyone who may have seen a man floating or along the shoreline in the harbour to call Triple Zero immediately and offer assistance. The ongoing efforts aim to locate him safely.