THE search for a missing man last seen swimming away from Noosa Main Beach has been called off.
Ricky Gardner entered the water around 12.30am on Saturday and hasn’t been seen since, sparking a multi-agency search.
At a press conference held on Monday, Superintendent Darryl Johnston said an extensive search over the weekend was unable to locate the 37-year-old.
It is alleged Mr Gardner was talking with police moments before entering the water and in an attempt to evade them, swam out to sea.
“Mr Gardner was wanted on a number of warrants, one to return to prison – we suspect that is the reason he fled from police. Our primary objective at the moment is to ensure he is alive and safe and those matters will be dealt with later,” Mr Johnston said.
Mr Gardner is described as Caucasian, approximately 178cm tall, with a slim build and light complexion. It is unknown what he was wearing at the time of going missing.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
