Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Department of Public Safety has officially called off the search for Niutea Jr Laulu on Monday after 72 hours of the search and rescue efforts.

This was confirmed by his mother Muavae Laulu in an interview with Samoa News at the scene.

The 22 year old of Vailoa went missing at sea last week Friday.

In earlier interviews with Deputy Commissioner Terry Letuli, he told Samoa News they received the call for assistance from the family between 4-5 pm on Friday and officers responded immediately.

It was unclear whether the young man had gone swimming or fishing as an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division is continuing, said the Deputy Commissioner at that time.

Citing at that time that releasing information is "sensitive" as the family is clinging to hope for rescue efforts.

The mother said her son was at home playing video games “but little did I know that would be the last time I would see my son.

“And so when I received news about him missing at sea, I was shocked,” she said while fighting back her emotions.

The woman said her son is married.

Letuli told Samoa News the search by the Marine Patrol started on Friday.

As reported earlier, Niutea Jr went out swimming with his cousin when they were struck by a huge wave and both were swept out to sea.

The cousin managed to climb on the rocks, but the young man was swept away.

Samoa News points out that “Sliding Rock” is a known dangerous area for swimming, fishing and even for just ‘hanging out’ — as ‘rogue’ waves are known to occur no matter the tide or weather.