Hopes of finding a woman missing in a Far North Queensland river have faded as the search for the swimmer shifts to a recovery operation.
The 54-year-old tourist was last seen in distress about 2pm on Friday at Mossman Gorge, having visited the popular tourist spot with friends.
Mossman River is known to be dangerous due to strong undercurrents and is prone to rising fast without warning.
Extensive searches by police, SES and other emergency services recovered several items of interest but could not locate the missing woman.
As hopes fade for her safe return, police have notified family members as the search becomes a recovery effort.
