WA search for boating pair, aged 12 and 18

A major search and rescue operation is underway for a 18-year-old man and 12-year-old boy missing off Western Australia's north coast.

A 12-year-old boy and 18-year-old man are missing off the coast of Western Australia's north near Ningaloo Station.

They left South Lefroy Bay about 4pm on Tuesday on a three-metre inflatable zodiac boat, with the intention of travelling inside the reef towards Norwegian Bay. They failed to return as planned two hours later.

A major search and rescue operation is underway, with several authorities and volunteers involved.