A 21-year-old who went out fishing at the weekend is believed to have died as a result of drowning. The young man reportedly went fishing with another person on Saturday night and was found at sea near Moataa on Sunday morning. 

Police Commissioner, Auapaau Logoitino Filipo confirmed the 21-year-old is from Fagalii and Tiavea. 

"He went out fishing with a 17-year-old from Fagalii around 10 pm on Saturday," he said about preliminary reports. 

"The 17-year-old returned ashore around 4 am and waited for the 21-year-old, but no one turned up. They ended up looking for him and found his dead body floating in the sea." 

Auapaau added initial investigation suggests the 21-year-old is suspected to have died from drowning. 

According to bystanders who were in the area where the deceased's body was found, villagers had assisted in locating the body by using a dinghy. 

One of the witnesses said when the body was brought to shore the deceased still had the fishing spear attached to his waist.