Families of two fishermen who disappeared at sea during Wednesday's violent storm are clinging to hope as search efforts by the Guyana Coast Guard and members of the local fishing community continue to yield no sign of the missing men.

One of the fishermen, identified as Suraj Moneer, popularly known as "Anil," and a fellow crewmember, vanished after strong winds and rough seas overwhelmed their vessel in the Cozier area as the storm intensified.

A third fisherman, Sewlall Ramdial, survived by swimming ashore after abandoning the boat. The fate of the other two men remains unknown.

Search teams have so far been unable to locate the boat or its engine, leaving few clues as to what may have happened during the storm.

Relatives gathered along the coastline described the men as hardworking breadwinners who routinely went to sea to support their families.

"They left home to earn an honest living and now nobody knows where they are. We are praying for a miracle and asking everyone to keep searching," one relative said.

The disappearance has prompted members of the wider fishing community to join the search, navigating nearby waters and scanning the shoreline for any sign of the missing men or their vessel.

The incident occurred as a powerful storm battered the Essequibo Coast on Wednesday, causing widespread destruction. Homes lost roofs, trees were uprooted and public buildings were damaged across several communities.

Coast Guard officials have indicated that search operations will continue as families hold onto hope for the safe return of the missing men.