Police, ambulance, SES, rescue helicopter, police helicopter and Burrendong Volunteer Rescue Association spent much

of the weekend at the scene.

A police spokesperson said the three Dubbo men launched their dinghy for a fishing trip at approximately 12.30pm on Saturday.

“A 20-year old man and two other young men were in the dinghy and we believe it began to fill with water,” the spokesperson said.

“Two of the men were able to swim to shore and found that the third had disappeared.”

For the two lucky survivors, there was a two hour walk before emergency services could be alerted to the plight of their friend.

The accident was believed to have occurred around dusk, but it was nearing 8pm when

emergency services were called.

The rescue helicopter search was called off just after 3am along with ambulance services, but the search resumed on Sunday morning.

An ambulance spokesperson said the two survivors appeared to have no serious injury but both were treated at the scene before being transported to Dubbo Base Hospital.

The search for the missing man continued fruitlessly well into Sunday afternoon.

The accident comes as a timely warning for cold weather boaters.

NSW Maritime acting chief executive Steve Dunn said there is an increased risk of boaters suffering from hypothermia in the event of a boat capsize or swamping.

“Skippers need to act responsibly, check the weather and - if in doubt, don’t go out,” Mr Dunn said.

“Make sure you have life jackets on before the threat of capsize arises.”

Police divers arrived on the scene late Sunday afternoon.

The search was clalled off at dusk and resumed at 7am today.