A frantic overnight search for a missing boater in Fairhaven ended when the man was found this morning walking along the beach, police said.

Gary Alves, 57, went for an afternoon sail yesterday, but did not return to work on time, according to police. He was reported missing about 5:30 p.m. His Hobie adventure kayak was found washed ashore and abandoned on West Island just after 6 p.m.

About 5:30 a.m. today, Alves, wearing his wetsuit and trudging along the beach just west of Hoppy’s Landing, waved down a Fairhaven police officer.

Alves told police he was knocked unconscious when he was hit on the head by the boom of his boat, and woke up in a marsh hours later.

Alves was taken to St. Luke’s Hospital for evaluation, according to police.