Fisherman missing after group's boat capsized

11:51 am on 21 November 2017

A navy patrol vessel is being used in the search for a fisherman missing since a boat overturned in western Bay of Plenty.

Bowentown Harbour.

Bowentown Harbour Photo: Google Maps

The 24-year-old from Rotorua was fishing with two others off Bowentown Harbour, near Waihi, when he disappeared.

He was last seen clinging to a 4.5m aluminium craft.

Police said they were called after 11pm when two others in the group - a 28-year-old man and a 10-year-old - made it safely to shore.

They were found by a local fisherman and treated at the scene.

Two helicopters, three Coastguard boats, a Coastguard plane, surf lifesaving boats and Navy inshore patrol vessel HMNZS Taupo are involved in the search.