Search for missing fisherman widens as it enters day two

The search for a missing fisherman off south-east Queensland has widened further as it enters day two.

Ashley Haigh was reported missing after his black half-cabin boat failed to return to Runaway Bay Marina on the Gold Coast about 7pm on Thursday.

It was found unmanned 25 nautical miles south-east of the seaway about seven hours later.

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Police found the boat keys but could not find his phone.

A helicopter and five marine boats resumed their search this morning after spending the night looking for the 44-year-old.

Due to the current, they are focusing their efforts on the waters more than 170km away in northern NSW.

The search area has expanded again today from around Byron Bay down further south to Evans Head.

Police are asking anyone with information about Haigh's location or welfare to come forward.

Acting Senior Sergeant Shannon Gray said there are believed to have been four life jackets on board but only three were found by authorities.

"But the information source can't 100 per cent confirm there was four, so at this stage we're unaware," he said.

"That's the best case scenario and that will give him a better chance, if he is in the water with that life jacket on."

Gray added that his family was going through a "difficult time".

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