(File image). Photo: Supplied / Coastguard
A search for a missing fishing boat is 'challenging' due to deteriorating conditions, says Maritime NZ's Rescue Coordination Centre.
A report that two people on the seven metre long boat in Gisborne had not returned as expected was received just before 4pm, said its operation manager Michael Clulow.
Clulow said there had been no contact from the boat since it left shore on Monday morning and no beacons had been activated.
Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club president Roger Faber confirmed that two people are on the boat.
Coastguard Gisborne, a helicopter and a number of vessels were being used in the search.
The centre has requested assistance from the New Zealand Defence Force and Clulow said a P8 Poseidon would undertake a radar search.
"Conditions off the East Coast have been deteriorating, making the search challenging," said Clulow.
"We are doing everything we can to locate the missing vessel."