Police have recovered the bodies of two men at Birubi Beach this afternoon.

About 2pm yesterday (Thursday 3 September 2015), two men, aged 71 and 77 departed Brooklyn on a yacht en route for Port Stephens.

The pair were expected to arrive by midday today (Friday 4 September 2015) and were in constant contact with family to advise their position.

At 10am, contact was lost and police from Port Stephens Local Area Command were notified.

A search commenced involving local police, water police, POLAIR, Marine Rescue NSW, the Westpac Lifesaver helicopter and a number of Surf Life Saving assets.

About 3.30pm, police located a body on Birubi Beach. A second body was located nearby about 20 minutes later.

The bodies were recovered and have been taken for formal identification, which has not yet taken place.

Inquiries continue and a report will be prepared for the information of the Coroner.