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ABC News
ABC News
National

Search for missing paddler in Torres Strait scaled down

Land searches will be suspended for missing coffee van owner Denne Bourke. (Facebook: The Coffee Department)

Queensland authorities have scaled down a search for an experienced outrigger canoeist who has been missing in the Torres Strait for five days.

Denne Bourke, 38, was last seen paddling between Thursday and Horn islands on Wednesday afternoon.

Queensland Police said they would "continue water and aerial searches, however land-based shoreline searches have been suspended".

Mr Bourke's outrigger canoe was found about 100 metres offshore hours after he was last seen.

Police said the discovery sparked an extensive air, water and ground search with police, other agencies and community volunteers.

The missing paddler's hat was found by a member of the public on a rock in the channel late at night, but no other trace of him has been found.

Mr Bourke was a well-known figure on Thursday Island, ran a local coffee van and was an experienced canoeist.

He had also recently become a father.

In a statement, police said Mr Bourke's family and friends thanked the community for their support and help with the search.

"They are very grateful for the local community's quick and detailed response," it said.

"The kindness and generosity during this difficult time has been greatly appreciated."

Queensland Police also acknowledged the contribution of other services, volunteers and the community in the search.

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