Search for man in NSW dam suspended

A search for a 26-year-old man who went missing after jumping into a dam north of Tamworth has been suspended.

The man was testing a motor boat he had been working on with another man, aged 57, at Split Rock Dam, Upper Manilla at 1pm, when it stalled a short distance from shore.

The pull-cord broke during attempts to restart the motor and while the older man tried to locate an oar, the younger man jumped into the water, but failed to make it to shore.

By the time the older man reached land, the younger man had disappeared.

A search involving police and SES volunteers was postponed at 6pm on Wednesday. It's expected to recommence at 7am on Thursday.