A body believed to be that of a man missing for five days has been recovered in floodwaters near the central western NSW town of Forbes.
Although the body is yet to be formally identified, it is thought to be that of 49-year-old Robert Linnane.
Mr Linnane was reported missing on Saturday, October 1, and a wide-scale search involving more than 100 volunteers was started in the Burcher/Nerang Cowal/Lake Cowal area.
Mr Linnane’s boat was found earlier this week, before searchers found his body beside a makeshift boat ramp just before 5pm on Wednesday.
The search involved officers from Lachlan Local Area Command, assisted by NSW Police Rescue, Water Police and volunteers.
NSW Police released a statement on behalf of the family on Wednesday.
“The family of Robert Linnane would like at this time to thank the many friends, volunteers and community services that have been involved in the search for Rob over the past four days, and continue to do so.
“Rob is a respected member of the Burcher community. He was actively involved in many organisations and is president of the local Golf and Cricket Clubs and also Captain of the Burcher Branch of the Rural Fire Brigade,” the statement said.
“He is a dedicated family man with his partner, his three daughters, their respective partners, grandchildren and extended family.
“At this difficult time Rob's family requests that you respect their privacy.”
Mr Linnane was last seen driving with his boat in tow in Burcher, a town west of Forbes, last week.
