A fishing vessel crew member remains lost at sea after being knocked overboard two nights ago.

The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) confirmed the person went overboard the New Zealand-flagged trawling vessel, Amaltal Mariner, on Sunday about 215 nautical miles east of the Auckland Islands.

TAIC said the crew member was knocked overboard by a float while deploying fishing gear about 10.40pm.

The person was still unaccounted for despite efforts to locate them.

A man was knocked overboard from a New Zealand fishing boat approximately 215 nautical miles east of the Auckland Islands.

TAIC’s chief investigator of accidents, Louise Cook, said investigators would travel to Bluff to gather evidence and interview the vessel’s crew and officials.

“Our initial focus is on evidence that could disappear or change, including recollections that are fresh in people’s minds.”

Investigators will also examine the vessel’s fishing operation, as well as the design, history, performance, maintenance and equipment on board, Cook said.

The commission said its investigations are focused on improving transport safety and “avoiding repeat accidents”, rather than assigning blame.

TAIC said it typically opened an inquiry when it believed the circumstances of an incident could have “significant implications for transport safety” or may lead to safety recommendations.