Photo: Supplied/ Coastguard
A vessel believed to be that which made a mayday call at 12.58pm on Sunday returned to shore on Sunday afternoon, police say.
Police were made aware of the vessel's return today.
An extensive search was underway in the sea area between Maraetai and Waiheke on Sunday.
Police, with the assistance of a Westpac helicopter and four Coastguard vessels spent four hours searching.
"Maritime Police would like to remind boaties to carry lifejackets at all times, have two forms of communication and that an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is one of the best forms of communication in an emergency," police said in a statement.