Police search for man who disappeared in Brisbane River while retrieving ball

Emergency crews are searching for a man who went missing while chasing a ball in the Brisbane River in Queensland today.

Water police and rescue crews rushed to Kookaburra Park in Karana Downs, southwest of Brisbane, after the man was reported missing about 3pm.

Police said the man, 21, waded into the water just off a boat ramp while trying to retrieve a ball.

He did not resurface.

A police spokesman said they were concerned for the man's welfare because the area he was last seen in was considered deep water.

The man is believed to have been with a group of people near the boat ramp when he waded into the river.

The area is a popular local swimming spot.

The Courier Mail reported local residents heard laughing and splashing before yelling.

A Queensland Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said the searchers had also been joined by Swiftwater rescue technicians in inflatable rafts and divers.