The search for a missing boatie on Saturday ended sadly, with a body being found at Lagoon Bay, just south of Scotts Landing. 

The man, who was in his 60s, was reported missing when he failed to show up for work on Friday. 

The man lived on his boat in the Mahurangi Harbour, and concern grew when police searched his boat on Friday evening and failed to locate the man. The man’s dinghy, which was usually tethered to the boat, was also missing.

The Kawau Coastguard, police maritime unit and Eagle helicopter carried out a search on Saturday, along with the dive squad.

The death will be referred to the coroner and formal identification of the body will need to take place, police said.