A search in Wellington Harbour for a man who fell overboard near the entrance to the Hutt River will resume at first light.
The man, aged in his forties, and his companion were in a small boat retrieving nets when he fell into the water at about 5pm on Sunday.
It is believed he was not wearing a life jacket. His companion was assessed by ambulance staff and then released.
Wellington Maritime Police, the coastguard, Airport Fire Rescue boats and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter failed to find any sign of the man on Sunday.
The Hutt River is at a very high level at the moment, due to the recent rain, making conditions dangerous and underwater visibility non-existent.