At about 7pm yesterday, Tuesday February 7, three local men who were returning to shore in their boat, spotted a body face down in the water near Merimbula's Long Point.

The men contacted police and waited near the body until officers from Eden Marine Area Command arrived.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Volunteer lifesavers from Tathra, and Pambula Surf Life Saving Clubs along with the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter, Eden Water Police and Marine Rescue NSW took part in a search on Monday night and for much of Tuesday but were unable to find any trace of the missing man.

He had been fishing alone off Haycock Point on Monday. The man’s fishing gear was found on the rocks and his vehicle was subsequently found in the designated parking area by police.

Surf Life Saving Duty Officer Andrew Edmunds praised the actions of the volunteers who all participated in the search.

“We had very challenging conditions for the two days of the search,” he said.

“Sadly we were unable to find the man alive and it is a very sad reminder why people should wear lifejackets when rock fishing.”

The man was not wearing a lifejacket when he was fishing.