More planes recruited to search for lone yachtsman

by Tim Clarke on 21 Jul 2004 The wide search for lone yachtsman Jim Wellstead, missing in West Australian waters for more than a week, will continue today despite fading hopes he will be found alive.

Seven aircraft, including a Customs Dash-8 plane, will attempt to search an area of more than 53,000 square kilometres today in an effort spot the 74-year-old's 7.6 metre wooden yacht Serene, which has been at sea for 11 days.

Water Police, Sea Search and Rescue and trained spotters are searching for the yacht in the air and on the water, but are being hampered this morning by worsening weather conditions, with strong wind warnings and rain making conditions difficult.

Senior Sergeant Greg Knott of the WA water police said the chances of finding Mr Wellstead alive were decreasing.

'Because we are now talking about an extended period of time, the longer it goes the more concerned we become,' Sgt Knott said.

'But we will continue to search. At the moment we have no confirmed sightings and no sightings of any wreckage, flotsam or anything of that nature.'

Police said Mr Wellstead left Coral Bay, 1100km north of Perth, on July 10 and informed the Coral Bay Sea Rescue Group he planned to sail 250km south to Carnarvon.

He has failed to respond to any radio communications since July 11.

Several days before Mr Wellstead left Coral Bay, a friend noted signs of ailing health, saying he appeared tired and disoriented as if he may have been coming down with an illness.

Police said Mr Wellstead did not give any indication of the time frame for his journey to Carnarvon, but they have been advised he had more than 20 years sailing experience and often travelled alone.

Property owners along the coast and all vessels in the area have been asked to keep an eye out for the yacht, while regular attempts to make radio contact continue.