Speaking to fijivillage News, Kelera Seniloli says her 20-year-old son Alivereti Vunakece disappeared on Friday while snorkelling near Naevuevu Village after he was caught in a strong current.
Seniloli says her son had accompanied his grandmother and younger siblings to the beach before deciding to go snorkelling for fish.
She says another of her sons tried to rescue his brother after he was caught in the current, but was unable to save him.
Seniloli says she immediately called Police for help after the incident and experienced delays before search teams arrived.
She claims she first reported the incident on Friday afternoon, but it was not officially recorded until Sunday evening after several follow-up phone calls from her friends.
She says she was later told Police would conduct search operations for five days, but the search was only carried out for two days.
Seniloli says she has repeatedly appealed for further assistance, including support from the Republic of Fiji Navy, as her family continues searching for her son.
She says the family remains desperate for answers and is appealing for every available resource to be used in the search.
fijivillage News has sent questions to the Fiji Police Force regarding the family's concerns, including the alleged delay in recording the incident and the search operation, and is awaiting a response.