Radio host and renowned angling expert Roman Butchaski has disappeared while fishing from the banks of a croc-infested river in far north Queensland.
A major air and land search has been launched for the former 2GB star who was last seen on Sunday, bosses at the radio station said on Tuesday morning.
Rescue parties have traced his vehicle, his fishing rod and some personal possessions, but no sign of the experienced fisherman, believed to be in his 60s.
‘Butch is missing,’ 2GB host Ben Fordham revealed.
‘He was last seen heading off on a solo fishing trip in Cape York Peninsula on Sunday afternoon and a major search and rescue operation is now underway.’
Butchaski set off on a fishing expedition at 8am on Sunday, headed for the Olive River, 600km north of Cairns, and 100km south of Bamaga at the tip of Cape York.
But he has never been seen or heard of since, sparking the major search.
Radio host and renowned angling expert Roman Butchaski has disappeared while fishing from the banks of a croc-infested river in far north Queensland
A major air and land search has been launched for former 2GB star Roman Butchaski who was last seen on Sunday, bosses at the radio station said on Tuesday morning
‘He borrowed a side by side buggy from a friend and traveled about an hour to to go fishing along the banks of the the Olive River,’ local reporter Harry Clark told Fordham.
‘All that they’ve found of Butch is that vehicle with a few personal effects such as a fishing rod that was found on Sunday afternoon and he hasn’t been seen since.
‘It’s on Cape York and the Olive River is a tidal saltwater river – and like all waterways in that area, they’re known crocodile habitat.
‘That’s certainly one of the things that search crews are taking into consideration as they as they look for Butch.’
Butchaski – who hosted 2GB’s fishing show with Gavin Pitchford and Michael Guest – also suffers from diabetes, sparking fears he may have suffered a medical episode while alone in the bush.
Former co-host Pitchford told Fordham that Butchaksi was a regular on the river, giving hope he may yet turn up safely.
He told Fordham: ‘I’m devastated.
‘Butchy walks the banks up there regularly. He’s been fishing there forever.’
The remote Olive River runs for 70km at the very top of ‘s northern mainland, starting in the Richardson Range before heading for the unspoiled coast.
The green-tinged water twists through 43sq km of uninhabited crocodile-infested estuarine wetlands before crossing pristine white sands to meet the Coral Sea at Temple Bay.
Police said the area was particularly tricky to search because of the dense bush, and the threat of croc attacks on rescue parties was also an concern.
‘Certainly it’s a risk for any of our searchers and our emergency services,’ said Senior Sergeant Duane Amos.
‘That’s something that the search and rescue co-ordinators would be taking into consideration.’
The remote Olive River runs for 70km at the very top of ‘s northern mainland, starting in the Richardson Range before heading for the unspoiled coast
Roman Butchaski set off on a fishing expedition at 8am on Sunday, headed for the Olive Rover, 600km north of Cairns, and 100km south of Bamaga at the tip of Cape York
He added: ‘[Butchaski] had gone to that location fishing. He’d previously gone to that location.
‘He’s a keen fisherman, so the expectation is anyone who fishes those areas would take all reasonable precautions in and around those waterways.
‘He was certainly well prepared for a normal expedition that it would appear he’s undertaken before.
‘When he failed to return at last light, that’s when the initial search has been commenced by family and friends.
‘The preliminary search located the vehicle the gentleman had gone to the location with.’
Fordham said the thoughts and prayers of everyone at the radio station were with Butchaksi and his family as the search continues.
He added: ‘Obviously, we’re thinking of everyone who knew and Butch and we’re hoping that he is out there somewhere.’
Queensland Police said the search was resuming on Tuesday.
‘Emergency services were called to the area after the man, aged in his 60s, failed to return,” a spokesman said.
‘Police and the Rescue 700 helicopter commenced the search and recommenced search efforts at first light. Additional officers are travelling from Bamaga to assist.’
More to come