Air Force Orion joins search for missing man

Air Force Orion. Photo / Supplied

A search is underway for a man missing after he went to set a crayfish pot near Wellington yesterday.

Police said the 72-year-old Martinborough man went to Sandy Bay near Te Awaiti, east of Martinborough, in a small inflatable boat about 11am.

His unoccupied vehicle and trailer were found there about 8.20pm.

The weather conditions were unfavourable, with high off shore winds and rough seas.

The Westpac rescue helicopter joined the search but was forced to return due to high winds, police said.

The Air Force Orion was due to join the search this morning.

- APNZ and nzherald.co.nz