A 16-year-old student is dead and three other people are still missing after a rescue attempt to help three students in waters off the Nanuku settlement industrial area in Vatuwaqa yesterday afternoon.

Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro confirmed that the three students, two aged 16 years and one aged 14 years were swimming and called out for help when they were being swept away by strong currents.

Two men aged 20 years and 19 years were fishing nearby, attempted to rescue the three students who were calling out for assistance.

In the process the two were also swept away along with one of the 16-year-old students.

One of the students a 14-year-old managed to swim to shore however his 16-year-old friend whose body was recovered was pronounced dead at the CWM Hospital.

Police had to call off the search last night and it is expected to resume this morning.