Missing fisherman went out fishing to prepare lunch as a way of thanking the team that brought housing materials for their church steward

Levuka-I-Gau villager Mataiasi Koroi says his brother went fishing so he could prepare lunch for the team as a way of thanking them for bringing the housing materials for their church steward.

Koroi says he spoke to his brother when they reached Malawai village but when he tried to call him again when they arrived at Qarani, his phone was diverted.

He says at that moment, he didn't think that anything had happened to his brother, so they continued to unload the material.

Koroi adds when his brother did not return in the afternoon, two boats went out to look for him.

He says they returned late last night as there was no sign of his brother and they took another three boats this morning to search for him, but still there was no sign of him.

Koroi says that his brother went fishing in a white fibreglass boat named the Adi Ceba.

He is hoping that they will find his brother soon so he can reunite with his wife and six children.

Meanwhile, Police have activated a search and rescue effort for the man in the Qarani Waters in Gau.

Police say the Fiji Maritime Surveillance Rescue Coordination Centre has been informed.