Two bodies have been recovered from Frederick Henry Bay in Southern Tasmania during an extensive air, sea and land search for four men missing following a fishing trip.

Inspector Lee Renshaw said that four men – a 33 year old, a 32 year old and a 26 year old, all from Hobart, and a 35 year old from New Zealand – were reported missing by a family member about 6.45pm last night when they failed to return from a fishing trip.

The bodies were located near Sloping Main about midday today. The bodies are yet to be formally identified.

Meanwhile, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority plane Dornier, and the Police Vessels Dauntless and Van Diemen are continuing their extensive search of Frederick Henry Bay and Storm Bay down to Cape Raoul for the two remaining missing men.

Foot searches were also conducted around beaches and cliffs in the area.

The men, who left on their fishing trip in a 16 foot fibreglass vessel about 7am yesterday, were believed to have access to lifejackets but were not carrying an EPIRB.

A report will be prepared for the Coroner. Our thoughts are with the families involved.