High winds and four-metre swells have forced fishing vessels to abandon their search for two missing fishermen at Slope Point, Southland.
The pair disappeared from Slope Point Rd just after 4pm on Sunday.
As of 2:15pm on Monday, the fishing vessels involved in the search have been pulled back because of extreme conditions, Detective Sergeant Dave Kennelly says.
"The team members in the IRBs (inflatable rescue boats) have completed their shoreline search, so have finished their tasking for the day," Det Sgt Kennelly says.
A helicopter and land search will continue until low light.
Police will continue to monitor sea and wind conditions throughout the rest of the day.
Newshub.
