Emergency services were called to a creek on Beach Road, Batehaven, near Batemans Bay, following reports of a body in the water on Tuesday about 8.45am.

The body has been formally identified as 37-year-old local man, Anthony Collins, who was reported missing three days earlier.

Mr Collins was last seen at the country club at Catalina, early in the evening on Friday April 14, but he didn't get on the courtesy bus home at 7.30pm.

Shortly after police retrieved Mr Collin's body, police established a crime scene.

Local detectives have established Strike Force Thurston to investigate the circumstances surrounding Mr Collins' death.

While investigators await the results of a post mortem examination to determine the cause of death, they are appealing for information to piece together Mr Collins' movements on Friday night.

In particular, they would like to speak with anyone who may have seen him leave the country club.

Investigators have published photos of Mr Collins who was described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of medium build, with light brown hair, with a receding hairline, and blue eyes.

He was last seen wearing a dark-coloured jumper over a darker-coloured collared shirt, sand-coloured pants, and light brown shoes.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at its website.