Police have successfully located six people who were reported to be drifting at sea after the boat they were travelling in experienced engine trouble.

Police say that the six left Vuma village in Ovalau at around 3.40 yesterday afternoon and they drifted between Batiki and Wakaya island.

Police say a team from Levuka were deployed last night and were assisting in the search alongside the Fiji Navy and the Fiji Maritime Surveillance Rescue Coordination Centre team.

It says that their officers located and rescued the six people at Raikiwai at Wakaya Island.

Police say that the six will be returning to Levuka today.