A large search operation is continuing today for a man missing off the Newcastle coast.
The search, focusing on an area from Anna Bay to Norah Head and 40 kilometres out to sea, began last night when 43-year-old Ashley McKellar didn't return home on time.
Police say the regular boater from Lake Macquarie may have launched his vessel, a Telewater 4.8-metre Aluminium Runabout with registration plates VK844N, from lake access at Bolton Point about 10.30am yesterday.
"We are concerned," Marine Rescue NSW Hunter/Central Coast Acting Zone Commander Steve Raymond said.
"We feel he's most likely in the water at this stage. We certainly would have spotted a vessel in that area.
"They're a known boating family and they're very stressed about his whereabouts."
PolAir, Marine Area Command, Marine Rescue, Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the region's rescue helicopter are involved in the search.
Commander Raymond said Mr McKellar's family was concerned as his disappearance was out of character.
He said the family contacted the Marine Rescue base at Lake Macquarie last night and a search vessel was launched about 7.30, focusing on the lake.
"From there, water police got involved and we had suspicions he may be offshore so that started a search off the coast of Blacksmiths Beach and Redhead," he said.
A spokesperson for AMSA said its Essendon-based rescue aircraft searched an area off the Newcastle coast last night.
The spokesperson said the aircraft dropped datum buoys to assist with drift modelling to determine where searchers should focus their attention.
The water and air search was called off about midnight, before resuming early this morning.
Five Marine Rescue vessels and three water police vessels have been launched, while Surf Life Saving is also assisting.
The AMSA aircraft and four helicopters have also rejoined the operation, including a Defence search-and-rescue helicopter from Williamtown.
Mr McKellar is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 185cm tall with a medium build, short brown hair and wearing dark-rimmed glasses.