On the morning of Tuesday, the 10th day of December 2019 Carmel CASSAR (MP) departed Scarborough Harbour, north of Brisbane, Queensland in the MP’s 50ft Dufor Classic sailing yacht, named Sailing Vessel (SV) SPICE.

On the evening of the 10th the wind increased and the jib broke, however the vessel continued on using the mainsail and inboard motor.

On the afternoon of the 12th of December 2019, the gooseneck fitting which secured the boom to the mast broke causing the boom to collapse. running repairs were made and the journey continued.

On the morning of the 14th day of December 2019 the vessel arrived at Cato Reef, 375km east of the Australian mainland (23-14.7S-155-32.4E). Cato Reef is the area surrounding Cato Island. Cato Island is a small uninhabited island that contains only a weather station. The distance from Scarborough Marina to Cato Reef is approximately 269NM (500km). The journey took roughly 4 days, estimating an average speed of 2.8kts (5.2km/hr).

After arrival CASSAR travelled 350m on the tender to Cato Island before returning to the anchored SV SPICE to rest.

After returning to the vessel CASSAR showered before lying down for a sleep. At about 10:30am on the 14th of December 2019 CASSAR was in his berth towards the bow of the boat. CASSAR was moving to the lounge area on the deck and complained that the sun was coming through the hatch above his bed.

At around 12:45pm. CASSAR was unable to be located on the vessel. A search of the boat and the surrounding waters was conducted, however found no sign of CASSAR

Anyone with information which may assist in locating the whereabouts of Charlie CASSAR is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.