The Police National Dive Squad has recovered a body from Frankton Marina, near Queenstown, this afternoon, believed to be a well-known local boatie.
The divers arrived in the resort this morning to help with the search for 63-year-old Alan Wilson, of Queenstown, who was last heard from on Friday night.
Yesterday police found what was believed to be a body underneath Mr Wilson's boat at the marina using underwater camera gear and a body had been recovered about 12.30pm today.
Formal identification was under way, however it is thought to be that of Mr Wilson, police said.
A post-mortem would be conducted in due course.
Mr Wilson was last heard from when he rang a friend in good spirits while working on his boat about 7.45pm on Friday, police said.
The dinghy Mr Wilson used to get to his boat was located on the shoreline at Frankton Beach on Saturday afternoon, sparking fears for his safety.
Inspector Olaf Jensen, Area Commander Otago Lakes Central, told media today Mr Wilson was a well-known member of the community and the focus was on recovering the body and returning him to his family.
"It's a tragic loss," Insp Jensen said.
