The Whitsunday community has once again rallied to help a family in desperate need following the news last week that 40-year-old father Joel Pringle disappeared without a trace from a residence in Cannonvale last Monday.
Every emergency service from the Queensland Police to local SES volunteers have been following every lead in a constant search to find Joel. A Facebook page has also been at the heart of operations with both friends and strangers within the community offering to help by walking bush tracks, checking remote locations and using drones to scan from the skies.
Joel Pringle went missing from Cannonvale on Monday 19th August. Photo source: Facebook
Family appeal for everyone to look for Joel’s ute
Concerns for the welfare of Joel Pringle are leading to despair following a 10-day search desperately looking for any sign of the much-loved family man who disappeared from Cannonvale last Monday.
Police have reported that Joel Pringle was last seen around 3pm on Monday, August 19, at Airlie Beach Lagoon.
He was driving a white Holden Crewman ute with metal tray, QLD registration 403KA2.
Neither Joel nor his vehicle have been since despite a massive ground and air search from Emergency Services and a sea of dedicated volunteers who have offered their support.
No cash has been withdrawn from Joel’s bank account since his disappearance and the last ‘ping’ on Joel’s phone was at 6am near the Conway Range the day after he disappeared.
Queensland Police Services (QPS) has confirmed that Joel’s boat is not missing which has led most search efforts to be confined to land.
A search through video footage has also added to the belief that Joel has not left the region and remains within the Whitsundays.
This information has led to concerted search efforts along remote bush tracks and mountain-biking trails that Joel and his partner Eve Houghton used to frequent.
This includes the Conway Trail, Repulse Creek Camp and Whitsundays Great Walk. Also areas such a Cape Gloucester and surrounds.
Other efforts have been focused on the area around Bloomsbury, Midge Point and Laguna Quays where Joel spent some of his childhood as he had recently been searching the area on maps for an unknown reason.
Another possibility suggested by well-meaning people as a possible theory was that Joel could have driven his car off the boat ramp and into the Proserpine River.
If this was the case, it could explain why there is no trace of the vehicle or Joel.
Queensland Police, local SES volunteers and countless community members who reside in the search areas have been scouring dense bushland constantly for the past 10 days.
Thermal drones have also been used to penetrate the heavy forest cover, hoping to find him alive if he had walked into a remote area and suffered from an injury that prevented him from returning.
All these avenues, however, had (at the time of printing this Wednesday afternoon) not led to the discovery of either Joel or his ute.
Natalie Stockdale, the mother of Joel’s partner, reported on Wednesday morning this week that they are not giving up hope and are still continuing to search areas every day.
Joel disappeared just two days before his 40th birthday and is the proud father of a 16-month-old baby he shares with Eve Houghton.
The young family had also been planning to pick up a new puppy in the coming weeks, something Joel is said to have been very excited about.
Natalie said that Joel is known for his outgoing, super friendly and sociable personality. He has a great sense of humour and is both smart and witty. He is also creative and loved drawing and his design work.
“People are drawn to him, he has a clever way with words and a great sense of humour,” she shared.
Joel’s disappearance is considered out of character and his family hold hope that he may be found alive.
They are also extremely grateful for all the support offered by the community.
“On behalf of Eve and her family, I'd like to thank the whole community for its support,” expressed Natalie.
“The ground Police, Water Police, SES, Council, volunteer searchers, individuals and businesses kindly offering their skills and services to help us find Joel.
“We are humbled by your love and support.”
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
If this article has been a trigger for you, please reach out to LifeLine on 131144. Help is available and this service is open 24 hours a day. Locally, you can call Whitsunday Suicide Prevention Network if you are worried about yourself or someone you are close to: 4945 2858.
Joel’s partner Eve Houghton has been desperately appealing for the father of her baby to come home safely. Photo source: Facebook
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