A significant search and rescue operation is currently in progress for a 23-year-old man who has gone missing after falling into the Brisbane River. The incident occurred early this morning around 5:30 am at a pontoon in Jindalee, located in Brisbane’s western suburbs. According to reports, the man slipped off the pontoon and did not resurface, despite attempts by his friends to rescue him.
Police acting inspector Shane Thow stated that the young man was with family and friends at the time of the accident. Although several of his companions tried to help him as he fell, he submerged before they could reach him. Authorities have revealed that the man, hailing from south Brisbane, was not considered a strong swimmer.
Inspector Thow expressed concern for the man’s family, acknowledging the distress they are currently experiencing. He conveyed that they are understandably struggling during this challenging time and that the police’s thoughts are with them.
Thow explained that the man was on the pontoon for a social gathering when the unfortunate incident occurred, clarifying that there was no indication of reckless behaviour prior to the fall. A wide-ranging search commenced shortly after the man vanished, with police divers, State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers, marine rescue teams, and fire department personnel involved in the efforts. They have been searching a considerable distance down the river since approximately 5:40 am in an attempt to locate the missing individual.