A 39-year-old fisherman from Ma'ufanga was reported missing at sea from a local fishing vessel the Kelly, on Tuesday, October 18, when it was located about 56 nautical miles NW of Vava’u.

Police have not released the name of the man who was said to have been on board with his fellow fishermen the night before, but was nowhere to be found the next morning.

The Tonga Coastal Service has advised fishing vessels in the area to keep a look out for the missing man.

He was one of five fishermen on board the FV Kelly operated by Teisina Fuko, which departed Nuku'alofa on Saturday, October 15.

Crew reported to Police they last saw the man on Monday night, October 17 when they went to sleep but when they woke up the next morning he had disappeared. The sea was rough, said a police spokesperson today.

She said FV Kelly is expected to return to the capital before the end of this week, when police would be able to interview the fishermen to determine what took place.