The 37-year-old man left the Urangan Boat Harbour on Monday for an overnight fishing trip.

Search coordinator Jules Tyson said family members became concerned and reported the man missing yesterday afternoon after he failed to return.

“He told family members that he intended to stay out overnight, and now it’s been two nights and there hasn’t been any word from him,” he said.

“Both police and family have been attempting to contact him via his mobile phone.

“We’ve been advised that he had sufficient food and water on board, and at this stage we’re hoping that it’s a simple case that the vessel is broken down and he’s not in a mobile service area.”

The man’s family has gathered at Hervey Bay Marina, from where the search by multiple agencies is being coordinated.

“The family is maintaining a look-out … hoping for the missing person to arrive back in the harbour,” Mr Tyson said.

“There are four vessels searching, including three volunteer marine rescue vessels from Hervey Bay and Bundaberg.”

He said a plane and a helicopter from Bundaberg had also joined the search.

The Bundaberg-based Lifeflight Rescue Helicopter searched for two hours yesterday afternoon, but was unable to locate the man’s white 2002 half cabin powerboat.

-ABC/ Johanna Marie