Marine Search off the coast of Dampier suspended with Missing Man and vessel located

A boatie and his dog have returned to shore and a massive marine search has been called off, with police revealing the pair were forced to spend the night camping on an island after experiencing boat trouble.

A search was launched for Kevin Cunningham, 44, after he failed to return to Dampier Boat Ramp on Sunday night after journeying to a popular fishing spot in Wandoo, about 67km north-northwest of Dampier.

Several vessels from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ marine rescue service, Australian Border Force and Pilbara Ports were involved in the search.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority’s challenger jet were also dispatched.

However, at 2.30pm on Monday, police advised Mr Cunningham had arrived back at the Dampier Boat ramp.

“It has been established he experienced issues with his vessel last night and was forced to camp overnight at Rosemary Island. He continued his trip back to Dampier today at a slow speed,” a police spokesman said.

“Police at the scene are helping remove his vessel from the water.

“Mr Cunningham and his dog appear to be in good health.

All search assets have been stood down and police thanked everyone involved for their help.