A boat belonging to a missing fisherman has been found drifting 12 kilometres off Tasmania’s northern coastline.

Kerry Frankcombe, 75, launched his boat from the Port Sorell boat ramp on Sunday morning for a half-day fishing trip, but failed to return.

The green and white six-metre boat was discovered early on Monday morning amid an extensive search between Port Sorell and Beechford.

“About 1.30am the vessel was located by the AMSA challenger jet adrift approximately 12km off the coast of Beechford,” Senior Constable Damien Godfrey said.

“There has been no EPIRB (emergency position indicating radio beacon) activation, and the man did not take a mobile phone with him.”

The Deloraine man’s car and trailer were left at the boat ramp.

Mr Frankcombe was last seen wearing black trousers, a checked blue shirt and possibly a grey coat.

Anyone who has seen the boat or missing fisherman is urged to contact police.

– AAP