The distressed family of a man who went overboard from a stolen dinghy in Tauranga Harbour last night are praying for his safe return.
Tauranga man Shaun Hogarth, 23, was among four men who went overboard when the aluminium dinghy capsized about 8pm yesterday.
Three men made it ashore but Mr Hogarth has not been found.
His family this afternoon released a short statement.
"We're all together as a family and are hoping and praying that he's safe somewhere and will be found soon."
Police said the men took the dinghy to go fishing and appeared to have used their own outboard motor.
Inquiries indicated the boat was stolen but police were still working to establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Police have spoken to two of the men who made it ashore but were still trying to find Liam Kane, 22, who has not been seen since raising the alarm with a member of the public last night.
Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair said Mr Kane appeared to be in good health but police wanted to talk to him about what had happened.
"It could be that he has information about events that would assist those coordinating the search and help bring some answers to Shaun's family who are understandably very distressed."
Police said none of the men were experienced on the water and the weather conditions were poor.
The aluminium dinghy was discovered at Matakana Island this morning by members of the Mt Maunganui Surf Club, as they searched the waterways in an inflatable rescue boat.
The dinghy was upside down near the base of cliffs between Matakana Point and Tahunamanu Point, directly north of Omokoroa Point, where the men set off from last night.
It appeared to have been pushed towards Matakana Island by the wind and current.
Police planned to examine the boat today.
Mr Hogarth's family were being supported by police and Victim Support and have requested privacy.
