The search for a missing Gold Coast game-fisherman has intensified, with dozens of volunteers and authorities scouring waters across state lines in desperate hope of finding him alive.

Ash Haigh, 44, was last seen just after 6.30am on Thursday morning when his lone boat was spotted crossing past the seaway and racing out to the ocean’s deep.

The vessel was seen again off Main Beach, tracking right, before the father disappeared.

More than 48 hours later, Haigh remains missing. His boat, the Grey Ghost, was found unmanned east of Burley, sparking an extensive search operation.

“He’s a very good friend. We want him back,” said fellow Gold Coast Game Fishing Club member Andrew Dunbar, struggling to contain his emotions.

“Just come home safe.”

Haigh was doing what he loved most at the time of his disappearance, trolling for marlin in Gold Coast waters.

Friend Stuart Grice described him as a family man who loves fishing and storytelling, someone who’s all about giving back to his community.

The tight-knit game-fishing community has rallied together, with the search covering Gold Coast waters and crossing state lines south to Ballina, Evans Head and Yamba in NSW.

A Challenger plane has been deployed, overlooking the ocean and searching as far south as Evans Head and north to near Tweed.

“It’s massive if he does get found,” Grice said.

Despite the exhausting conditions, searchers remain hopeful.

One life jacket on board Haigh’s boat is unaccounted for, providing a glimmer of hope that he may have been able to stay afloat.

“Hopefully signs that Ash is floating along somewhere, kicking back, and hopefully he’s OK,” Dunbar said.

Authorities are urging anyone out on the water to look out for debris or any sign of the missing fisherman.