Missing fisherman found drunk, asleep in boat on Lake Taupo

The man was found asleep and extremely drunk on his boat on Lake Taupo after a four-hour search. Photo/Google Maps

A fisherman has been found extremely drunk and fast asleep in his boat on Lake Taupo after a search and rescue mission tonight.

Police and Coastguard volunteers searched for around three hours for the man, who was expected back at the eastern shore of Lake Taupo before dark.

Bay of Plenty Senior Constable Barry Shepherd said the man went fishing with his dog at 9am.

When he did not come home, he was reported overdue around 7:45pm. The Taupo Coastguard rescue boat searched for the man but could not find him.

The Greenlea Helicopter was deployed around 9pm and found the missing man in his boat using night vision equipment.

Coastguard volunteers went in for a closer look and found the man asleep. His boat appeared to have drifted for four hours, about seven kilometres off course, Shepherd said.

The man was "extremely intoxicated", he said.

"Police are appalled at this behaviour and would like to remind the public that the water can be an unforgiving place - conditions can change suddenly, and you need to take precautions to look after yourself and others.

"When out boating, don't drink - this could have easily ended in tragedy. This man's friends and family were understandably very concerned and a large effort has been undertaken by Police, Coastguard and volunteers to locate the man."

Police will be speaking to the man tomorrow, Shepherd said.