Police confirm missing kayaker's body found in Gold Coast creek
Police have confirmed that the body recovered from Tallebudgera Creek on the Gold Coast on Monday morning is the missing kayaker they were searching for.
The body of 28-year-old Chris Dicker was spotted by a local resident about 6.20am on Monday near the Gold Coast Highway bridge, where his kayak had washed up about 24 hours earlier.
The grim discovery came after authorities resumed the search operation on Monday morning, following extensive efforts on Sunday afternoon.
His kayak was discovered on the western side of the Gold Coast Highway bridge by a member of the public about 1pm.
Footwear was found inside the kayak, but there was no paddle.
Police held grave concerns for Mr Dicker's welfare because he was intellectually impaired and had a medical condition.
Water police, divers and surf lifesavers scoured the water and officers on foot searched along the creek banks on Sunday, but did not find anything.
Authorities also called in a helicopter to conduct an aerial sweep and searches of the nearby beach were also undertaken on Sunday, but they were also unsuccessful.
Police will prepare a report for the coroner.