The search for missing kayaker Andrew John Donohue, 49, of Chudleigh, who was believed to have left Perkins Island in a kayak, is continuing.

Resources including marine police, ground search and rescue crews, the rescue helicopter, local police, members of Surf Life Saving Tasmania and SES have remain deployed to the area following Mr Donohue’s disappearance about 8.30pm last night after he failed to return from a fishing trip off the north western side of Perkins Island.

The kayak was located by police in waters off Perkins Island about 9.40am.

Acting Inspector Stewart Williams said that there were strong easterly wind conditions at the time.

“Mr Donohue is an experienced diver and boatsman, however police hold significant concerns for Mr Donohue’s welfare at this time, given the time of night he went missing, the strong easterly winds combined with the fact that he wasn’t wearing a PFD,” Acting Inspector Williams said.

“Police will continue our search overnight and into tomorrow – we have significant resources in the air and on the water to try and locate Mr Donohue as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 131444