Search resumes for missing fisherman

Search focused on the coastline north of Matakana Island, including Bowentown. Photo/File

Coastguard and volunteer vessels are out again this morning to search for an overdue fisherman missing from Tauranga.

Emergency services were alerted just before 6.30pm last night, sparking a search and rescue operation.

Police were told the 60-year-old was due back at lunchtime from a morning out fishing.

He was fishing in an aluminium three metre long homemade boat, with a centre console and an outboard motor.

Today, boats searching for the man included Coastguard and volunteer boats.

The search area was centred around Matakana Island, towards Waihi Beach.

A helicopter has been mobilised to conduct aerial checks of shorelines.

Other local boaties and pilots of light aircraft have also been asked to be alert for sightings of the missing aluminium boat.

One reported sighting yesterday indicated a similar boat anchored to a buoy in the area.

Anyone has any information, was urged to contact the Tauranga Police on (07) 577 4300 or simply call 111.