Grave concerns for Perth man who fell overboard in return boat trip from Rottnest Island
An extensive search operation was launched off the coast of Rottnest Island after a 57-year-old Perth man fell overboard on a private boat at a popular bay at the holiday island on Sunday afternoon.
The missing man is Peter Tuohey from Alexander Heights who was on a recreational boat with his wife and friends returning from Rottnest Island to Hillarys Boat Harbour.
His friends noticed he was missing just before 4pm and the boat's skipper alerted police immediately, who commenced the large-scale search operation.
Police say they hold grave concerns for Mr Tuohey and they were providing support to his wife.
Four helicopters assisted the massive sea search which included 12 vessels from Water Police, the Department of Transport Volunteer Marine Rescue, Rottnest Island Authority and Fremantle Port Authority.
Crews were conducting grid searches parallel to Scarborough beach, 9 News Perth reporter Lucy McLeod said.
A Rottnest Island fast ferry was also diverted to join the search.
The search was suspended at midnight but will resume at 8am on Monday morning.
- with 9 News Perth