The police in American Samoa have named the 31 year-old man swept out to sea while fishing in Faleasao as Kupa Leo.
Manu'a group, American Samoa Photo: Supplied
The Ta'u police say Mr Leo was fishing with two other men last week when a wave swept him off his feet and into the ocean, in rough seas associated with Tropical Storm Ula.
According to police, a search mission for Mr Leo on late Monday afternoon didn't get very far because of dangerous seas, and was later called off altogether after 72 hours.
Kupa Leo was an employee of McConnell Dowell from Tutuila who had gone to Manu'a to spend the holidays with his wife's family while the construction company was closed.
The Project Manager for McConnel Dowell, Stuart Pilat, says Mr Leo was an exemplary employee who was considered key to their operations.
