Updated

A multi-agency search has resumed on Monday morning for a fisherman missing on the South Coast.

Emergency services were called to Batemans Bay Marina about 8pm on Saturday after a fisherman had failed to return from a day’s fishing trip.

Police have been told a 56-year-old man had left the marina about 6am in an 8m Arvor cruiser. He was spoken to about 10am but when he failed to return, emergency services were alerted about 7.20pm.

The search area has expanded to the north as far as Port Stephens and to the south to the Victorian border, following unconfirmed sightings of the vessel by members of the public.

Marine Area Command (MAC) immediately launched a search operation, with assistance from officers attached to South Coast Police District, Marine Rescue NSW and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.

The search continued throughout the Saturday night and into Sunday and involved vessels from Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue NSW, as well as a fixed wing aircraft and helicopters; however, neither the man nor the boat were found.

The search continued at first light on Monday.

Marine Rescue NSW has deployed four vessels from four units to assist in the search.

“Marine Rescue NSW volunteers and vessels will focus on two search areas under the direction of Marine Area Command," Marine Rescue NSW Inspector Stuart Massey said.

“Batemans Bay 21 will search alongside a NSW Water Police vessel off Batemans Bay, while Narooma 30, Bermagui 30 and Merimbula 31 will search further south.

“All four Marine Rescue NSW vessels will continue searching today until instructed otherwise by Marine Area Command.".

Marine Rescue NSW is a volunteer based not-for-profit professional organisation dedicated to keeping boaters safe on the water and supporting local communities.