Search for fisherman to resume at low tide

Police will search again at low tide today for a fisherman who mysteriously disappeared from his boat at New Plymouth's port on Saturday.

Police yesterday named the New Plymouth man as David Bruce Barr, 53.

He was last seen about 8.30am on Saturday in a small aluminium dinghy not far from Blyde Wharf at Port Taranaki.

About half an hour later his dinghy was spotted again but this time Mr Barr wasn't in it.

His lifejacket, chillybin, oar and other fishing equipment were still in the boat.

Extensive searches have been carried out over the last three days including one at low tide yesterday afternoon. All have failed to turn up a trace of the missing man.

Acting Senior Sergeant Andrew Ross said another search was expected to be carried out at low tide today.

Police have been told by family members that Mr Barr could not swim. They don't know whether he was wearing a lifejacket.

- NZPA