The search for a crew member missing from a Sealord vessel off the Wairarapa coast is continuing through the night.
The company says mid-morning this morning crew onboard the Otakou became aware a crew member did not report for duty.
A full muster was conducted to confirm this, and a search was immediately commenced and authorities notified, Sealord said.
The four vessels involved in the search will search overnight, and will review the situation after sunrise tomorrow.
The two helicopters searching were stood down at nightfall.
Weather conditions in the area are fair but are predicted to deteriorate tomorrow.
Sealord said it is making all effort to notify next of kin.
It said the crew member was not on active duty at the time of disappearance and the reason for the disappearance is not known at this stage.
All other crew are accounted for, however, they are very concerned for the safety of their team member, the company said.
Sealord is taking this situation very seriously and is providing support to all staff, it said.
The company is also cooperating with all search and rescue instructions, it said.
Earlier tonight Vince Cholewa of the Maritime Rescue Co-Ordination Centre said the centre was advised of the crew member overboard around 11.30am.
At that time the person had been in the water for 50 minutes or less, he told 1 NEWS.
Mr Cholewa said there were four vessels and two helicopters involved in the search - Otakou, two other fishing vessels, the police launch Lady Elizabeth IV, a LifeFlight helicopter and an Air Force NH90.
The estimated location is 11km east of Glendhu Rocks.
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