Gold Coast local Ashley Haigh has been identified as the man who went missing at sea on Friday.

Queensland father Ashley Haigh has been identified as the missing fisherman whose unmanned vessel was found more than 40km off the Gold Coast, sparking a major search effort.

The 44-year-old was due back on the Gold Coast on Thursday night, but he was reported overdue and water police were unable to contact him by radio.

His unmanned boat was found 46km offshore at about 2am on Friday, with authorities now scouring the area for signs of the missing man.

Ash Haigh (right) has been identified as the missing Gold Coast fisherman. Picture: Facebook/Ash Haigh

Speaking to reporters on Friday afternoon, Acting Senior Sergeant Shannon Gray said Mr Haigh was an experienced game fisherman and that his boat was found to be “generally in good condition”.

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He said the keys to the boat were sitting on a seat inside and that information received by police indicated there were four life jackets on-board, with only three remaining.

“But the information source can’t 100 per cent confirm there was four, so at this stage we’re unaware,” Senior Sergeant Gray 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.

“His phone, we haven’t been able to locate, but it’s believed it was in the boat somewhere. He may have it on him.”

The boast was found 46km from the Gold Coast seaway. Picture: NewsWire / Sarah Marshall

Senior Sergeant Gray said the search area had been expanded south of the Gold Coast towards the Byron Bay area.

“I’ve spoken with his wife multiple times today – it’s a very difficult time for them,” he said.

Flight data shows a rescue plane left Melbourne shortly before midnight on Friday and circled the area of the unmanned boat for about five hours.

At 9am Friday, there were two helicopters surveying the area – a rescue helicopter based in Ipswich, and the Westpac Rescue helicopter from Lismore.

Friends of Mr Haigh have taken to social media and expressed hope for his safe return.

“Hope you’re found safe and well bud our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!!!” one wrote online.

“We thinking of you Ash Haigh. Everyone is praying you’re found soon and well. I know you’re a strong person so hangin (sic) there mate,” another wrote.