A major search is underway for a man swept away in the Brisbane River when he tried to retrieve a remote-controlled boat.

The 44-year-old was caught in a strong current when he went into the river to retrieve his boat at the Brisbane Corso about 4:30pm on Saturday.

His partner followed him along the river bank for about 200 metres until he disappeared near the Indooroopilly Golf Club.

Acting Police Inspector Andrew Dupere said the man could not be found despite hours of searching by land, air and sea.

"We all got here quickly but the current was flowing fast and he has gone downstream pretty quickly," he said.

The search was suspended about midnight.

Acting Inspector Todd Sucic said there were grave fears for the 44-year-old's safety.

"We will resume searching for him today with water police, the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service and the SES, so hopefully we will be able to locate him sooner rather than later," he said.

He said a command post at the Somerville House Water Sports Centre at Yeronga is coordinating the operation.