A Southland fisherman is missing on Lake Onslow in the Otago High Country after a boating incident this afternoon [Saturday].

Detective Sergeant Derek Shaw of the Central Otago Police said, "It appears that the missing man entered the water from a 4 metre boat on the lake while out fishing at about 2.00pm today. He has attempted to untangle fishing lines that had caught on the propellers of the two motors on the vessel".

"The breeze has caused the boat and the fisherman to drift apart and the adult remaining on the boat has been unable to restart the motors to rescue the fisherman in the water".

"By the time the boat reached the shore and the motors were restarted the fisherman had disappeared".

An air and surface search were commenced but were suspended at 6.30pm this evening.

It is believed that the man was clothed but not wearing a life-jacket when he entered the water.

The search will recommence on Sunday morning with assistance from the Central Otago Coast Guard and the Wellington based Police Dive Squad will joining the search later in the day.

The missing mans family have been advised.

Communications in the area of Lake Onslow are limited so it is not expected that a further media release will be made until approximately 4.00pm on Sunday, 1 November 2009, or earlier if there is a development in the search.