New information in the case of a "mystery yacht" has prompted authorities to shift their search efforts to the nearby bushland rather than open water.
Victoria Police Inspector Nicole Cantillon said community tip-offs had placed the male yachtsman further east in Mallacoota days before his vessel washed ashore.
"The boat was sighted in Mallacoota a couple of days before, and there was a male on board and we've got some leads that his name might be Walter," she said.
"We don't think he lived in Mallacoota, we think he passed through that area," she said.
Further inspections of the boat found it was in working order, with little reason to suspect its occupants capsized.
"There was nothing damaged, everything was in working order, we have determined that the person or persons got off the boat, and hopefully they're safe somewhere," Inspector Cantillon said.
Inspector Cantillon also said the suspicion of any illegal activity now seemed less likely.
"We're still investigating that line of inquiry, but we don't think so," she said.
