By I. Inojales |10:50 January 20, 2026
A Boholano paddleboarder who went missing over the weekend in Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales, Australia, has been found dead following a three-day search operation.
According to a report by ABC Riverina, the victim, a 41-year-old man, fell off his paddleboard at Lake Cargelligo, northwest of West Wyalong, on Saturday and failed to resurface. His paddleboard was later recovered, prompting authorities to launch a multi-agency search.
A body was discovered shortly before 2 p.m. on Monday and was subsequently identified as Butch Buscato, a native of Balilihan, Bohol.
Police said weather conditions at the time of the incident were “windy and choppy,” which may have contributed to the tragedy.
Lachlan Shire Council Mayor John Medcalf described the incident as “an absolute tragedy,” noting the strong community response during the search efforts.
“Dozens of residents assisted emergency services over the weekend,” Medcalf said. “That shows what kind of community Lake Cargelligo is. People support one another and genuinely wanted to help.”
Buscato was well known in the town of Griffith, where he was regarded as a dependable and selfless individual who willingly extended help to others without expecting anything in return. He was an active member of the Filipino community and a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He is survived by his wife, Vanessa, and their three children.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by friends and supporters to help ease the financial burden on the bereaved family.
