A Northland man is presumed drowned after he tried to row across a bay in rough weather, possibly under the influence of drugs and alcohol, say police.
Earl Raison, 48, was at the Russell Boating Club on Friday night and was last seen at a nearby house before he disappeared.
Police believe he tried to row in his dinghy across Matauwhi Bay to his yacht and fell out.
The weather that night was very rough with gale force northerly winds and police were also concerned Mr Raison may have consumed alcohol and drugs, a police spokeswoman said.
His overturned dinghy, containing a bag of clothing, was found on the shore on Saturday morning.
A search of the shoreline failed to find Mr Raison and the police national dive squad began searching the area today.
If he is not located the search is expected to continue tomorrow morning.
The Rawhiti and Waitangi Marae have placed a tapu on the Matauwhi Bay and Orongo Bay area, which means fishing is prohibited.
- NZPA
