A male kayaker missing in waters off Maria Island has been located safe and well following a major search and rescue operation.

Steve Smith, aged 54, of Hobart, set off from Darlington around 9.30am yesterday and was scheduled to return at 2.00pm.

Two Westpac Rescue Helicopters, police vessels Cape Wickham, Relentless and Sentinel, and the volunteer coastguard searched waters around Maria Island last night and have resumed at first light this morning.

The man was located safe and well on Il De Nord, which is off the northern tip of Maria Island, just before 8.30am today.

“The man had stopped on the island about 12 noon yesterday for a short break, however, the strengthening breeze took the kayak out and it was too deep for him to retrieve it safely,” Senior Constable Chris Williams said.

“The man was wearing a wetsuit, warm clothing and a PFD, and he’d told people where he was going and what time to expect him back – so he did all the right things which enabled his safe return.”