Police have activated their search and rescue teams to look for 14 people who are missing at sea.

Director Police Operations SSP Waisea Tabakau has confirmed that the 14 were onboard the "Vaipoe No.1", a fishing vessel, and left Suva to fish in Lakeba waters on 2nd of last month.

According to police, they received the last radio call from the vessel yesterday and were informed that they had developed mechanical problems and the vessel is drifting south of Gau Island.

SSP Tabakau said that the vessel is white in colour and is a full cabin boat.

He has called on people living near coastal areas to contact their nearest police post if they have any information about the missing vessel.