Officers from the Water Police were yesterday still searching for a 29-year-old man who went missing at Walu Bay in Suva on Monday.

The man, a crew member of a commercial ship was believed to have been trying to retrieve a loose dingy swept away by large waves during the heavy downpours on Monday afternoon when he went missing around 6pm, police said.

In light of this tragic incident, Marine Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) chief executive officer Joeli Cawaki reiterated the call for seafarers to ensure their safety while out at sea.

“We always advise everyone to wear their life jackets,” Mr Cawaki said.

“The sea can be very unpredictable and under those conditions, safety should always be paramount.

“We are again calling on our seafarers to always exercise caution.

“Wear your life jackets and exercise every safety measure you have so that there is no loss of life.”

MSAF and police are collaborating in the search for the missing man.