A search for a missing fisherman off the Queensland coast has been suspended, four days after his family raised the alarm.
The 43-year-old local failed to return from a solo fishing trip off Mooloolaba on the Sunshine Coast on Sunday afternoon.
His boat was discovered after his family raised concerns and an extensive search and rescue operation was launched on Sunday night.
The vessel was located abandoned two nautical miles off Moreton Island, northeast of Brisbane, on Monday.
But the wide-ranging surface and aerial search involving multiple aircraft and vessels was unable to locate the Glass House Mountains man.
The search had been scaled back just 24 hours ago, with police and volunteers focusing on foreshore patrols.
The search has now been suspended, a decision police said would be a heartbreaking outcome for the missing man's family.
"Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to locate the man and bring him home to his loved ones," Senior Constable Murray Lyons said.
"We have liaised closely with his family and discussed the sad news regarding the likelihood of survival.
"They have asked for privacy during this difficult time."
He said the missing man's family and police thanked everyone involved in the extensive search which included volunteers and the community.
