The man thought to be missing, after his yacht was found adrift and unattended on the state’s north on Tuesday, has been found, safe and well.

Police have been told a man came across the vessel named ‘FireFly’ on Tuesday (16 May 2016), off Samurai Beach, Port Stephens, and was unable to locate anyone board.

The man towed the yacht to deeper water and anchored it, before contacting Marine Rescue and Marine Area Command.

Yesterday, officers attached to the Marine Area Command and Port Stephens Water Police, with assistance from Volunteer Marine Rescue, Surf Lifesaving, Westpac Rescue Helicopter and local police covered areas from Nelson Bay to Stockton Beach.

The search continued at 8am this morning (Thursday 19 May 2016).

About 12.00pm today (Thursday 19 May 2016), a 48-year-old man attended Newcastle Police Station, to notify police he was safe and well after being alerted by reports in the media.

Officers from the Marine Area Command are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the boat being abandoned.

Police would like to thank the community and media for their assistance.