A tradie who drowned in waters off Darwin’s southeast has been remembered as a “good bloke” as conflicting reports surface of how he ended up in the water.

Brendon “Doca” Doherty, 55, was at the Channel Island Bridge, near Wickham, with workmates on Friday night when he entered the water about 9.40pm.

Doherty, who was fully clothed and wearing steel capped boots, was unable to swim back to shore, despite his friends’ attempts to encourage him.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

A search and rescue was launched when friends lost sight of him, with several helicopters, Surf Life Saving, NT Emergency Service volunteers, Crocodile Management and NT Police all unable to locate him.

After searches started up again on Saturday morning, Doherty’s body was found about 11.30am near the East Arm Wharf.

Police issued a statement saying he had “voluntarily jumped off the Channel Island Bridge”, however, friends and work colleagues have disputed this online, saying he had stepped over the railing to retrieve his glasses.

“Incorrect info,” one friend said.

“First off, he was a really good bloke. He fell in after crossing over the rail to possibly retrieve his glasses. He didn’t jump or get pushed.”

Police said they had received reports of the man drifting away, after several minutes of him “laughing and active” within the water after jumping off the bridge — a line his friend disputes.

“He also wasn’t ‘laughing’ or ‘active’, but was briefly present, a couple of seconds, for as long as I could see him ... the tide was moving fast.”

Channel Island, about a half-an-hour drive from Darwin’s CBD, is a scenic coastal reserve and popular fishing and camping area.

Visitors are urged to stay out of the water as the area is a known saltwater crocodile and box jellyfish habitat.

“Sometimes you meet people (and) become fast friends,” the same friend said.

“You just know you’re going to be great mates. I saw Doca slip away. Don’t believe the headlines. He was a good man with a good heart. Rest in peace, mate.”

Northern Territory police have been contacted for comment.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.