In a tragic outcome, the search for Atherton Tablelands woman Wendy Richardson in the Torres Strait concluded on Monday.
The respected speech pathologist was travelling to Mabuiag Island, where she worked with locals and disadvantaged children, when the boat she was in capsized.
Ms Richardson’s children Mike Berry-Porter, Brad Russell, Nathalie Richardson and Trent Richardson released a statement on Monday.
“It is with broken hearts and profound sadness that our family confirms that the search for Wendy Richardson has been suspended,” the statement said.
“We are eternally grateful to the Queensland Police Service, local Badu Island, Mabuiag Island and greater Torres Strait Islander community for their tireless search efforts.”
The community is rallying around the family, with expressions of sorrow coming from those who knew Ms Richardson through her work.
Liberal MP Warren Entsch, who knew Ms Richardson both personally and professionally for over 30 years, said her death was a totally avoidable tragedy.
“Wendy never should have been forced to go into a boat,” he said.
“She was a very, very good speech pathologist and she was absolutely committed. She did amazing work in the Torres Straits.”
The Liberal MP is among several voices calling for the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to revisit its decision to cut off flight services to Mabuiag Island.
“Skytrans has never had an accident or even an incident in that area in twenty years. CASA put in place additional safety constraints that cut off flights to the island, which then affected the safety of people forced into dinghies in a spot where you get two-metre waves,” Mr Entsch said.
“Wendy paid the price with her life.”
Residents of Mabuiag Island held a memorial service in Ms Richardson’s honour on Thursday.
“It’s not only the tragic loss of a life, but of someone with that skillset, the qualifications, the incredible things she did,” Mr Entsch said.
“She didn’t like those little boats. But she went – that’s what Wendy does.”
