THE police discovered the body of an 18-year-old student floating in Taunovo Bay off Pacific Harbour yesterday.
Spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said the student was reported missing on Wednesday during a picnic at Loloma Beach.
"The deceased was part of school picnic trip and he was discovered missing at 2:10pm by a staff member of the school," Ms Naisoro said.
She said police investigations were continuing.
Meanwhile, a total of 52 people have drowned compared to 29 this time last year.
Ms Naisoro said the increasing number of deaths caused by drowning was of serious concern to the police.
She said most drownings this year occurred in the Western Division during the floods.
Ms Naisoro said the reasons for the increase in drowning numbers were negligence and lack of knowledge.
"People being swept away by strong currents and just not knowing to swim are the major reasons causing deaths by drowning in the country," she said.
Ms Naisoro said people's attitude of not adhering to the warnings by the police was also a matter of concern.