THREE fishermen from Maniate in east Wainoni, Makira Province, are yet to be found after they went missing since 29 December 2018 during a fishing trip.
A close relative of the trio told the Solomon Star the men were out fishing after returning from Kirakira but never arrived home.
Alick Piringi said he was also travelling on that boat to Kirakira on 28th December, a day before it went missing to board a ship at Kirakira for Honiara.
Mr Piringi said the news was shocking as they did not expect such to happen.
“We were shocked when our family members at Kirakira informed us about the tragedy via mobile phone,” he said.
He said the 21-feet fibre glass boat with red and yellow cabin was powered by 15 HP Yamaha engine.
Meanwhile, Kirakira Police say they are still searching for the three fishermen.
Provincial Police Commander Peter Sitai in a statement said there is no sighting at this stage.
Mr Sitai appeals to the people living on the coastal area from East side of Makira, Western side, Ugi and Ulawa and South Malaita to look out for any floating objects.
He said if they sighted any objects they can call the nearest police post.
Meanwhile, the Police Maritime Unit has warned that as the country is experiencing bad weather, people must avoid boat trips as much as possible.
By IAN MCDONALD