The lack of "Yongala"s arrival in Townsville did not immediately cause concern, with the assumption that the ship had taken shelter from the cyclone. After three other ships arrived in Townsville, "Yongala" was listed as missing on 26 March, with the note that she may have been lost as early as 23 March. Queensland Premier Digby Denham turned all of the state's resources over to search efforts, including seven vessels operated by the public service, police and shipping. Wreckage was found washed up on beaches from Hinchinbrook Island to Bowen, but there was no sign of the ship or those aboard. The only body found was of the racehorse Moonshine, which washed up at the mouth of Gordon Creek. A£1,000 reward for information leading to the discovery of the ship was offered by the Queensland government, but this was withdrawn after no useful information came forward.