Authorities are scouring the beach and bushland near where the boat belonging to a fisherman missing off the WA coast for nearly two weeks has been found.
Jeffrey Doyle, 61, has not been seen since he left on an overnight fishing trip from Bunbury Yacht Club on October 17.
His boat was found almost 400km away on a beach between Lancelin and Cervantes, police say.
A land and air search of the area near where the vessel was found, about four kilometres south of Grey Settlement, will continue until last light on Saturday evening, police say.
"The location of the vessel is not secure, which has resulted in police only being able to conduct a basic examination, which has determined that Mr Doyle is not on board," police spokeswoman Susan Usher said in a statement on Saturday.
Police hope the boat can be towed to Jurien Bay where it can be better examined.
No decision has yet been made by authorities on whether the search will continue in the area in the morning.
