NT Police have suspended the search for a 67-year-old man who went missing near the Tiwi Islands early on Sunday morning.

Police and Emergency Service personnel initiated the search and rescue effort on 31 October after receiving reports of a man overboard about 4.5 nautical miles south of Bathurst Island.

Search and Rescue aircraft, helicopter, vessel and foot searches continued for three days until it was determined the search would be suspended last night.

It is believed the 67-year-old male was in the tender boat when a wave hit, throwing him into the water at about 6:00am on Sunday. A nearby fishing vessel received the initial distress call and alerted authorities.

At this stage the search has been suspended; however, if further information comes to hand the search may be reinitiated.

Senior Constable Michael Wyatt said the tragic incident highlights role of personal floatation devices in boating.

"The outcome of the search may have been different if the missing man had been wearing a life jacket at the time of the incident" he said.


Rickie Scoot

8922 3185