A large-scale search effort is continuing off the Northland coastline after a boat failed to return to Pataua South on Friday evening, leaving two people missing at sea.

The alarm was raised around 9pm when family members contacted emergency services to report that a 17-foot single-engine runabout, due back at 7pm from a fishing trip, was two hours overdue. Police initiated an immediate search that continued until 4am, assisted by the Police Eagle helicopter.

At first light on Saturday, search efforts intensified. Police, Land Search and Rescue, Coastguard Tūtūkākā, Coastguard Whangārei, Coastguard Air Patrol, the Royal New Zealand Air Force, the Auckland Maritime Unit, and local volunteers joined the operation, alongside support from members of the community.

A member of the public later spotted a drifting vessel, which was confirmed by Coastguard Air Patrol to be the missing boat. It was towed back to shore, but no one was onboard.

Shortly afterwards, another member of the public located a body in the water. The deceased person, one of the two missing boaties, was recovered with assistance from search crews.

Authorities say the operation remains focused on finding the second person, with shoreline searches and extensive sea and air patrols underway. Police have acknowledged the efforts of all involved, including boaties and community members who offered assistance.

The search resumed again on Sunday morning, supported by the Police National Dive Squad, Auckland Coastguard Air Patrol, Auckland Police Maritime Unit, Customs, Surf Rescue, Northland Land Search and Rescue, and additional volunteers.

Police have thanked the community for their ongoing help as efforts continue to bring both individuals home to their whānau.