Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a boat last seen at Arlington Reef on Friday after a man died whilst spearfishing.

Two men had attended the reef to go spearfishing when one man, a 56-year-old from Westcourt, encountered difficulties whilst swimming on the surface and subsequently died.

The 56-year-old’s body was later recovered from the water near Upolu Reef by a rescue helicopter.

Police are preparing a report for the Coroner in relation to the man’s death, there are no suspicious circumstances.

The second man, a 24-year-old from Gordonvale was forced to swim to a navigation buoy after their vessel had drifted away from where it had been anchored.

The vessel has not been located.

Cairns Water Police are appealing for boaties in the area to report any sightings of the men’s boat described as 6m long, aluminium with centre cabin. The hull is painted black, with blue signwriting and a light coloured cabin.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 orcrimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444 or Policelink.qld.gov.au 24hrs a day.