Desperate search is launched for missing sailor after boat overturned off Lady Elliot Island leaving his two passengers clinging to the side

A desperate search is underway for a missing man after a boat capsized and its passengers emerged – but only two were found clinging to the ship.

The yacht had three people on board and capsized off Lady Elliott Island near Gladstone on Sunday morning.

It is understood the yacht was en route from Yeppoon to Brisbane when it turned.

The boat was about four nautical miles south of Lady Elliot Island when an EPIRB was activated around 5 a.m., it was reported The courier post.

Emergency services launched a search and rescue operation involving multiple vessels, police divers and a rescue helicopter from Bundaberg.

More to come