The Crichton family in Sataua and Fagasa, Savai'i are relieved that their prayers for the safe return of their loved ones who went fishing on Friday afternoon in their boat were answered and they were back home safe.

The Sunday Samoan can confirm that there were three people on the boat and were still missing as of Saturday evening. 

As of 7pm Saturday evening, the two men and the teenage boy finally made their way back to the shore after being stranded at sea since Friday morning.

Live streams from residents in Sataua showed scenes of raw emotions as the families and the village welcomed the two men and the young boy back.

According to residents in Sataua, the fishing boat allegedly had issues and the fishing party became stranded and started drifting further.

The fishing boats from the village that went out to search for the men on Friday night and Saturday did not reach where it was stranded.

Fortunately, they were able to fix the boat and made their way back to the shore safely.

Earlier, relatives, friends and residents around the area made an impassioned plea to the wider community to keep their loved ones in their prayers as they hope for their safe return. 

A family member confirmed with this newspaper that the two grown men that were on the boat are brothers and the third person that was on board is a teenager who is the son of one of the men. 

The untitled men of the villages went out to the sea on Saturday again to find the boat and bodies but returned unsuccessful. 

Attempts to get comments from the Police Commissioner, Auapa'au Logoitino Filipo on the unfortunate incident have been unsuccessful. 

However, the Fire Commissioner, Tanuvasa Petone Mauga confirmed in response to queries from this newspaper that their outpost in Asau was informed by the family. 

"That's the report we received from our team in Asau and Maota," Tanuvasa said. 

"The family reported the incident to our office in Asau seeking assistance on Friday evening. 

"We were told that the two men and the young boy went fishing and that they are from a family of fishermen. They normally go fishing and have their own fishing boats. 

"However, they were expected to return to shore but when it was already late, they knew something happened and reported the matter to seek assistance from our team. 

"We did advise them to inform the police first and that we will see how we can be of help in finding their family members."

Tanuvasa also confirmed that their team were asked to go and find more information on the incident and see how they can best assist with the search before they can send a search and rescue team to Sataua.