Search for missing Murray River man after cries for help heard

In short:

A search is underway for a missing fisherman on the Murray River after a witness heard cries for help and saw an unmanned boat circling on the water.

Patrick Evans, 39, hasn't been seen since going fishing near Tocumwal on Friday afternoon.

What's next?

The search resumed on Sunday, with police appealing for anyone with information to come forward. 

Police are searching for a 39-year-old man missing from the Murray River along the Victoria-NSW border, after a witness heard cries for help and found his small boat circling on the water.

Patrick Evans is believed to have gone missing about 12:30pm on Friday near the NSW town of Tocumwal, about 80 kilometres north of Shepparton, with the search entering its third day on Sunday.

Chief Inspector Paul Huggett, from the Murray River Police District, said a witness raised the alarm on Friday after hearing cries for help.

"He went to investigate shortly after and found a small tinny type of boat that was just essentially skipper-less and running around in circles on the Murray,"

he said.

Mr Evans was last seen at Pebbly Beach campground, on the Victorian side of the river, about 10:30am on Friday. Police believe he went fishing just after midday.

The search involves the Volunteer Rescue Association, State Emergency Service and Rural Fire Service crews from NSW and Victoria.

Air support from Canberra, drone teams from NSW Police, and police divers also assisted on Saturday.

Inspector Huggett said the search was focused around two bridges near Tocumwal: the Newell Highway Bridge and a nearby railway bridge.

About 40 volunteers took part in Saturday's search, with between 30 and 40 expected to continue searching on Sunday.

"We're hopeful for a positive outcome for both Patrick and his family,"

Inspector Huggett said.

Mr Evans is described as about 175 centimetres tall, with a thin build, brown moustache and beard, and medium-length brown-blonde hair.

Inspector Huggett said Mr Evans had lived in the area for several years and urged anyone who may have seen him or had information about his movements to contact police.

He said Tocumwal was a small community but also a significant tourist destination, and appealed for any visitors who may have information to come forward.

River safety reminder

Inspector Huggett also urged people to take care around the waterways as summer approaches.

"The Murray and all river systems can be dangerous," he said,

"It's not the same as swimming in the ocean due to the saline content."

He encouraged people to follow safe boating practices, including wearing life jackets and avoiding alcohol around the water.

"If you're going for a swim in the river, go with people," he said.

"We want the community to have a safe summer and to get home at the end of the day.

"Perhaps with a little bit of sunburn, but let's hope that's the worst thing that happens in the day."