Conditions too rough for police dive search for missing man Mark james of Port Macquarie

Mid North Coast Police District Inspector Stuart Campbell said conditions were deemed too rough for the dive search and will be reassessed in the morning (Wednesday).

The land-based effort to locate 56-year-old Mark James of Port Macquarie has ended.

Insp Campbell said the search is being treated as a recovery, but all other avenues of investigation remain open.

Mr James was reported missing on Saturday when his car was found at Tacking Point lighthouse. He has not been seen since.

"The police divers are up here at the moment and we will look at sweeping around that area in the morning to see if there's anything," Insp Campbell said.

Mr James is described as being of Caucasian appearance, between 165 and 175cm tall, of thin build, with a fair complexion, bald head, and brown eyes.

Officers from the Mid North Coast Police District commenced a search which has been ongoing.

The search has been assisted by PolAir, Surf Lifesaving NSW, Marine Rescue and the State Emergency Service.

Marine Rescue vessel PM30 has also swept the waters between Port Macquarie and Lake Cathie.

The land search has covered an extensive area of bushland and coastline between Watonga Rocks and Shelly Beach.

Insp Campbell said the search will continue until further direction is received from NSW Police in Sydney.

Anyone with information should contact police on 6583 0199.

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