Fisherman search called off

Hope is fading to find missing Binningup father Jeffrey Doyle after the search for the experienced fisherman was suspended at the weekend.

Today marks one week since the 61-year-old failed to return from a solo fishing trip as planned, with his wife raising the alarm to authorities.

Crews have described the search mission to find Mr Doyle as exhausting and have apologised to the father-of-one’s family for failing to find him.

Bunbury Sea Rescue training officer James Armstrong said volunteers who took part in the “massive” search were saddened and disappointed they could not locate Mr Doyle.

“We met yesterday (Sunday) and the crew were sad that the search wasn’t successful, but we did the best that anyone could do,” Mr Armstrong said.

“We can’t allow ourselves to be too disappointed with rescue attempts like these though.

“Understandably, the family would be devastated and we’re sorry to them that we couldn’t find him.”

Mr Doyle left on his 8.6m Bertram cabin cruiser from the Bunbury Yacht Club on October 17.

Police say his wife told officers it was not unusual for him to go out for several days on trips, but no one has been able to contact him.

Mr Doyle’s family has not made any comments at this time.

Mr Armstrong said aerial search crews had searched an area spanning the maximum distance Mr Doyle was known to travel and the sea crew had combed an area about 1000sq miles between Bunbury and Mandurah.

Water Police Sen. Const. Peter Murphy last week said Mr Doyle could be able to survive on his boat for up to eight days with supplies.