The family of a heavily pregnant woman is grieving the death of their loved one ahead of Mother's Day after she was found dead at sea. 

Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, confirmed the deceased is a 26-year-old woman from Faleu Manono and was eight months pregnant. 

He said the preliminary reports suggest the mother went out to sea on Wednesday morning to collect sea cucumber (sea) and her body was recovered by nearby villagers in the afternoon. 

"By the time she was found, she had already died, and she was rushed to the hospital if there was any chance of saving the unborn child she was carrying," said Auapaau. 

"I have not received the latest report on the status of the unborn child, but I can confirm that we received reports of the incident yesterday. 

"We are continuing our investigation on this matter at this stage."   

Nearby villagers in Salua Manono claimed they found the body of the pregnant woman drifting to shore and reported it to the police.