The search for the three family members from Nomuka who went missing while on a fishing trip on July 30 has been formally suspended after 5 days of searching.
'Elone Taulafo went missing while fishing with his son Sione Filipe Taulafo and his son-in-law Sofele Folau early Thursday last week.
Over the last five days, there have been three extensive searches over the Ha’apai waters but to no avail.
The New Zealand Air Force P3 Orion search plane sent out to look for signs of the fishermen has made no sightings of their boat or debris.
During the searches locals assisted a navy vessel of the Tongan HMAF with members of the police tactical response team as well as assistance from the Rescue Coordination Centre in Suva.
Police Commissioner, Grant O'Fee said families have been told the search operation has been called off.
