Authorities say they were concerned about the seaworthiness of a vessel that left port in Ballina early on Monday and broke apart less than 24 hours later off Kingscliff in northern NSW.

Police received a call for assistance from the skipper of the vessel just after 10pm on Monday, after he had made his way to shore and borrowed a phone.

Kingscliff Hotel patron Natalie Evans was in the pub when she saw the man leaving the men's bathroom carrying a shopping bag and an oar.

"He was soaking wet and he had seaweed all over him," Ms Evans said.

"I thought he was homeless or something and had just gone for a swim.

"He looked a bit upset, and when I found out why he was there, I felt bad for him really."

Ballina Marine Rescue unit commander Peter Hill said he was on duty when the vessel lef

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