There are significant concerns for a fisherman whose empty boat was discovered adrift off Tasmania’s northern coast.

The search for 75-year-old Kerry Frankcombe, who set off on Sunday from the Port Sorell boat ramp on a half-day trip, resumed on Tuesday.

His green and white six-metre vessel was discovered early on Monday morning about 12km off the coast of Beechford, roughly 40km from Port Sorell.

“(We) hold significant concerns for Mr Frankcombe’s welfare, given the amount of time he has now been missing,” Tasmania Police said in a statement.

Marine crews, including police and a rescue helicopter, resumed searching between Port Sorell and Beechford on Tuesday morning.

An emergency position indicating radio beacon on board the boat wasn’t activated and Mr Frankcombe didn’t have a mobile phone with him, police have said.

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.

– AAP