Kayak sailing from Townsville to Magnetic Island (Florence Bay)

Tragedy struck on 16 June 1962 when Peter Hetherington and John Bourkett vanished while kayak sailing from Townsville to Magnetic Island’s Florence Bay. Despite a week-long search by bushwalkers, RAAF, police, and volunteers, only wreckage was found. Both men are presumed lost at sea.

Townsville Bushwalking Club

Townsville Bushwalking Club

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Kayak sailing from Townsville to Magnetic Island (Florence Bay)

Saturday, 16th. June, 1962.

Type of Trip: Kayak sailing from Townsville to Magnetic Island (Florence Bay).

Party: Peter Hetherington & John Bowkett.

The party was last seen about three miles off the coast heading towards the Island.

Full scale search by Bushwalkers, Royal Australian Airforce, Police and Volunteers took place in the following week.

The following items were found on the beaches South of Ingham:
The canoe, with broken rudder, and one paddle, one life jacket, one plastic seat cover.

It is assumed both men have lost their life.

That their names may live on.

Leo, Ahliutios

See also:

Remembering a Tragic Loss: Two Canoeists Missing off Magnetic Island (1962)
In June 1962, bushwalkers John Bowkett and Peter Hetherington set out by canoe from The Strand to Magnetic Island and never returned. Despite extensive land, sea, and air searches, they were never found—leaving a lasting impact on Townsville’s outdoor community.
Townsville Bushwalking ClubTownsville Bushwalking Club
Escape Magazine - December 1987
December 1987 Townsville Bushwalkers ESCAPE: trip reports from Mt Cook (Magnetic Island) and Kents Track, wait-a-while tales, Florence Bay People’s Day protest, yoga for bushwalkers, wildlife spotting tips, snake safety, club news and AGM details. North Queensland hiking magazine.
Townsville Bushwalking ClubTownsville Bushwalking Club
A Long Walk To The Pub 2014
Seven walkers set out to find a memorial plaque near Mt Cook on Magnetic Island, honouring two canoeists lost in 1962. After a hot, hilly trek through gullies, stinging trees, and ridgelines, they found it overlooking Pallarenda—before pushing on to Horseshoe Bay and, finally, the pub.
Townsville Bushwalking ClubTownsville Bushwalking Club

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