UPDATED: 7.39PM The search for the fisherman missing at Lake Ferry has been suspended for the day.

The fisherman went underwater at around 2:30 pm and did not resurface while trying to cross the Ruamahanga River mouth.

Members of the public called Police who initiated today's search and rescue operation.

Crews were scrambled by air and boat but they have found no sign of the man.

An employee at the nearby Lake Ferry Hotel said that locals had joined in the search.

“There are at least three helicopters, a couple of police cars and an ambulance.

“Some locals have also taken their boats out.”

She said such incidents were rare.

“It doesn’t happen that often at all – the majority of people that come out are usually pretty wary of the water and understand how dangerous it is.”

The search is likely to resume tomorrow morning.