Bob CHAPPELL
Above left - Bob Chappell aboard his yacht
Above centre - Police would like to speak with anyone knowing anything about this jacket which was found in Marieville Esplanade at Sandy Bay
Above right - The yacht has been towed to Hobart's constitution dock as the search continues. (ABC News)
Police suspect foul play in missing yachtsman case
Posted - January 28th, 2009 - ABC
Tasmanian police are looking at the possibility of murder in the case of yachtsman Bob Chappell who disappeared from a boat moored at Sandy Bay.
Detectives say the 65-year-old man's yacht was sabotaged.
They have grave concerns for the welfare of Mr Chappell who has not been seen since Australia Day.
At the time he was renovating his 16-metre ketch at Marieville Esplanade and it is understood he decided to spend the night on board.
Police received a report the yacht was taking on water early on Tuesday.
Detective Inspector Peter Powell says investigations point to foul play.
"Certainly someone's deliberately tried to sink the vessel, as to who that might of been or why we're not sure at this stage," he said.
Police divers are back in the water today doing more searches and there are foot patrols of the foreshore.
