A desperate search is underway after a catamaran carrying two men went missing off the northern NSW coast on Saturday.

Emergency services were contacted at about 8.20pm on Saturday after a catamaran believed to be carrying two men failed to arrive at its destination.

The boat, an 8.4 metre long white catamaran named Mangrove Jack, is believed to have departed Yamba Harbour, NSW, at about 8am on Saturday and was heading to Southport, Queensland, where it was expected to arrive at 5pm.

"When the vessel did not arrive at its destination as scheduled, emergency services were contacted about 8.20pm and a search commenced," NSW Police said in a statement.

Multiple police commands and agencies from both NSW and Queensland are involved in the search, including the Marine Area Command, Police R

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