# Search for missing fisherman on Murray River

> Patrick Evans vanished while fishing near Tocumwal on Friday; a witness heard cries for help and found his boat circling unmanned.
- Title: Search for missing fisherman on Murray River · Abc | Shortify
- Summary: Patrick Evans vanished while fishing near Tocumwal on Friday; a witness heard cries for help and found his boat circling unmanned. Police search for Patrick…
- Keywords: patrick evans, murray river, tocumwal, missing person, search and rescue, nsw police, news, politics, Search, missing, fisherman, Murray
- Source: Abc — https://abc.net.au/news/2026-10-18/search-for-missing-man-near-tocumwal/107280424
- Published: 2026-10-18T01:18:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: patrick evans, murray river, tocumwal, missing person, search and rescue, nsw police, news, politics
## Fisherman vanishes on Murray River
Patrick Evans, thirty-nine, went missing near Tocumwal on Friday afternoon after leaving Pebbly Beach campground to fish in the Murray River.
## Witness hears cries, finds empty boat
A witness heard cries for help on Friday and discovered Evans's small tinny boat circling unmanned on the water, raising the alarm immediately.

> He went to investigate shortly after and found a small tinny type of boat that was just essentially skipper-less and running around in circles on the Murray.
## Major search operation underway
The search involves the Volunteer Rescue Association, State Emergency Service, Rural Fire Service, air support from Canberra, drone teams and police divers.
## Search focused on two bridges
About forty volunteers searched on Saturday with thirty to forty expected on Sunday. Police focused the search around the Newell Highway Bridge and a nearby railway bridge.
## Police appeal for information
Chief Inspector Paul Huggett urged anyone who may have seen Evans or have information about his movements to contact police, noting Tocumwal is a significant tourist destination.

> We're hopeful for a positive outcome for both Patrick and his family.
## Key takeaway

Police search for Patrick Evans, thirty-nine, missing since Friday afternoon near Tocumwal on the Murray River after a witness heard cries for help.