Newcastle Herald. By Matt Carr.
A SEARCH for a missing sailor off Port Stephens has officially moved from rescue to recovery, police say.
Authorities on Wednesday night called off a search that combed the water from Nelson Bay to Stockton beach following the discovery of abandoned yacht FireFly.
Police had said they were seeking a 48-year-old Tasmanian man believed to have lived aboard the vessel but now believe it is unlikely he could have endured the water conditions.
A recovery operation aimed at retrieving the man will continue on Thursday.
Detectives are making inquiries, including some suggestion the boat was near Lemon Tree Passage early on Tuesday.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Marine Area Command on 02 9320749 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
