A fisherman was found 'extremely intoxicated” following a search and rescue operation on Lake Taupo.

Police and Coastguard volunteer had been searching for the overdue fisherman on the eastern shore of Lake Taupo last night.

Senior Constable Barry Shepherd says the man went fishing with his dog at 9am and was expected to be home by dark.

When he did not come home, he was reported overdue around 7.45pm.

'The Taupo Coastguard rescue boat searched for the man, but was not able to find him.”

The Greenlea Helicopter was then deployed around 9pm and found the missing man in his boat using night vision equipment.

Coastguard have then gone in for a closer look and found a man asleep in the boat, says Barry.

'It appears that his boat was drifting for about four hours, about 7km off his course.

'The man was extremely intoxicated.

'Police are appalled at this behaviour and would like to remind the public that the water can be an unforgiving place – conditions can change suddenly, and you need to take precautions to look after yourself and others.”

When out boating, don't drink– this could have easily ended in tragedy, says Barry.

'This man's friends and family were understandably very concerned and a large effort has been undertaken by Police, Coastguard and volunteers to locate the man.

'Police will be speaking to the man today.”