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Six men missing after fishing trawler overturns off Queensland coast

A search and rescue operation is underway for six crew members missing from a fishing trawler that overturned in stormy seas off the Queensland coastline.

The boat overturned near Middle Island, north of Seventeen Seventy at about 7.30pm on Monday.

The vessel came into difficulty at about 7.30pm near Middle Island. Source: Google Maps
The vessel came into difficulty at about 7.30pm near Middle Island. Source: Google Maps

The trawler eventually sank at about midnight.

A male crew member from the vessel was located floating in the water about 7am by a passing boat.

An extensive air and water search is underway to locate the remaining six male crew members.

A spokesman for the Australian Maritime Safety Authority says they have offered two helicopters and plane to help with the search.

The Water Police and Volunteer Marine Rescue are also assisting.

Police are appealing to boat users in the area to be on the lookout for the missing crew.