Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Department of Public Safety rescue efforts are continuing the search for a young man in his 20s who was reported missing out at sea on Friday evening at Le'ala Sliding Rock.

This was confirmed by Deputy Police Commissioner Terry Letuli in response to questions from Samoa News.

According to the Deputy Commissioner, 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.

Letuli said at this time releasing information is "sensitive" as the family is clinging to hope in rescue efforts.

"The search started from Friday afternoon and throughout the weekend. Normally search efforts continue on for 72 hours and after that, it will officially be called off, but the final decision rests on the Governor and Lt Governor, in any case, they want to extend the search," said Letuli, who added that officers with the Marine Patrol and Fire Officers are scouring the seas off Leone, all the way to Vaitogi.

The Deputy Commissioner also confirmed that a drone is being used to assist in the search efforts.

Unconfirmed information indicated the young man went out swimming with his cousin when they were struck by a huge wave and both were swept out at sea.

The cousin managed to climb on the rocks, but the young man was swept out at sea.

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.