Search efforts to rescue the 6 people who have been missing for more than 24 hours in Lau waters have been bolstered by the deployment of a New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
Fiji Navy confirms the aircraft has been in the country this week.
The 6 people were travelling in a fibre glass boat between Namuka and Fulaga in the Lau Group at 10am yesterday and failed to arrive at their destination.
The Navy says according to initial reports, three fibreglass boats departed Namuka Island yesterday morning.
They say two arrived safely in Fulaga, while the third remains overdue.
They say the missing vessel is described as a white half-cabin fibreglass boat powered by a 40-horsepower outboard engine.
They say relevant authorities, mariners and nearby communities have been alerted, and search efforts are ongoing.
However, adverse weather conditions, including strong winds and rough to very rough seas, are hampering the operation.
The Navy is urging mariners travelling between Namuka, Fulaga and the surrounding waters to maintain a vigilant lookout for the missing white half-cabin fibreglass boat and its occupants.
Anyone with information or who sights the vessel is requested to contact the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Fiji immediately by calling the toll-free number 1539 or reporting it to the nearest Police Station.
