The body of a Lautoka fisher who had been missing at sea since Sunday has been found.

Police recovered his body near Savala Island off the Lautoka coast, which is some distance from Lomolomo on the mainland.

Anand Naidu, 42, of Lomolomo, disappeared underwater on Sunday afternoon following a fishing trip with two friends.

He was out netting fish on Sunday at 2pm with friends and neighbours, Rohit Kumar, 32 and Ashok Kumar, 50. He was swept underwater on the way back.

From what was gathered from Police and people in the area, there was a waterway crossing which, at low tide, one could walk across but at high tide one would have to swim.

Rohit Kumar said he and Ashok Kumar had started to cross with Mr Naidu following from behind during which time the tide had started coming in and currents became strong.

The only thing they heard were two calls for help from Mr Naidu. When they looked back he had slipped under the water and did not surface again.

Fifteen people and five Police officers were combing the coastline along Lomolomo towards Viseisei Village and the opposite direction towards Wailoaloa Beach in Nadi.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said they would now wait for the outcome of the post-mortem examination report.

Mr Naidu is survived by his wife and three children.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa
Feedback: charles.chambers@fijisun.com.fj