Hopes fading for man missing off yacht in northern NSW

Bad weather has hampered the search for Keith Jones, a 65-year-old solo sailor who is believed to have left Hervey Bay in Queensland a week ago. Mr Jones was reported missing on Monday after he failed to notify anyone of his intentions.

His ketch Wayfarer was found adrift near the entrance to the Clarence River at Yamba of Tuesday afternoon.

Police and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority were unable to deploy boats in Wednesday's rough seas, while two helicopters and a fixed-wing aircraft failed to spot the man before the aerial search was suspended. It was resumed on Thursday but at time of writing, no sign had been found of the missing man, who is believed to need regular medication for an unspecified health issue.

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