A search is underway for a missing man after a dinghy was found near a dam with its motor still running.

The inflatable vessel was found near the shoreline of Boondooma Dam in Proston, a rural town in Queensland’s South Burnett Region, at about 9.15am on Thursday.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Search and rescue underway on Boondooma Dam

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The owner of the dinghy, a 74-year-old man, was last seen preparing to go fishing on the boat around 5.45am that same morning.

“We believe that he alighted from the main camp area and went to an area called Little Cove, which is well known to locals,” Inspector Scott Stahlhut said.

Local police, SES crews, dam personnel and search helicopters will conduct a search for the missing man on Friday.

“We’ve used aerial assets from Rescue 522 out of Bundaberg, remotely piloted aerial vehicles from QFES, SES, and Sunwater, who are also assisting on the water,” Stahlhut added.

Specialist divers and water police have been deployed, using sonar technology to locate the missing man.

“The search is extensive and thorough,” Stahlhut confirmed.

The man was last seen wearing a blue jacket and dark-coloured pants.

“He is from the Fraser Coast and has frequented this area before,” he said.

“His partner was with him in the area but not on the dam at the time.

“They are regular visitors.

“His son has travelled to the area and is working closely with police and other agencies as the search continues.”

The man was last seen wearing a blue jacket and dark-coloured pants.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.