Empty dinghy on Tasmanian prompts search

An empty dinghy discovered in southern Tasmania has prompted rescuers to conduct a search for a person overboard.

Campers discovered the 15-foot dinghy on a beach in the township of Dover.

Its motor was tilted and some fishing gear and other items were on board.

The Westpac rescue helicopter and police boat Dauntless, along with local police, conducted a sea and shore search on Saturday night.

"It is too early to know if the boat has capsized near the South Port Lagoon with someone on board or whether the boat has become detached from a mooring or a towing vessel," Detective Inspector Craig Joel said.