Survival 'slim' for man missing off Foveaux ferry

The township of Oban fades into the distance as the Foveaux Express leaves Stewart Island. Photo / supplied

A man who disappeared from a ferry in Foveaux Strait has a slim chance of survival, according to those looking for him.

The man was thought to have fallen overboard during a crossing from Bluff to Halfmoon Bay in the late afternoon.

Two helicopters, one of which was equipped with night vision equipment, Coastguard and Search and Rescue scoured the area but found no sign of him.

Coastguard spokesman Andy Johnson says the search involving at least 50-people was called off around 11:30pm, due to deteriorating sea conditions.

Senior Sergeant Dave Raynes, of Invercargill police, says after speaking with passengers on board, they know where the boat was when the man was last seen onboard.

He says it's quite an extensive search area, and there's also a big rip in the strait.

Andy Johnson says while there's little chance of survival, anything is possible, particularly if the man has made it to land.

- NZPA