The boat of a missing man has been found near a north Queensland reef, several hundred kilometres from where he fell overboard in waters off Townsville.
Colin Palmer, 41, and his friend fell into the water when their boat was hit by a wave at about 12am on Saturday.
The pair tried to stick together and make their way toward shore, but were separated in dark, choppy conditions. The friend was later rescued.
A passing vessel on Wednesday spotted the upturned boat near Arlington Reef, roughly 40 kilometres northeast of Cairns.
The distance between the major North Queensland city and Townsville is about 350 kilometres via road.
A helicopter was sent to investigate and Queensland police have confirmed the boat belongs to the missing man.
It is being recovered and taken to Cairns, and his family has been notified.
Authorities had previously advised the search would be scaled back on Tuesday.
Mr Palmer's friend was spotted by crew on a commercial fishing vessel and rescued about 6.30am on Saturday.
The 45-year-old man was suffering from exposure and taken to hospital in a stable condition.
