The search will resume today for well-known taxi driver Mr. David (Bushes) DeSilva, who has been missing since Thursday.

A desperate hunt continued most of yesterday by Police and Mr. DeSilva's family at Watch Hill Park in Smith's, where Mr. DeSilva's beige Nissan station wagon was found abandoned early in the morning.

Police are especially anxious to speak with the driver of a white car which was reportedly seen at the park late on Thursday night. Police spokesman Sgt.

John Dale said there was a possibility that the occupant could have seen or spoken to Mr. DeSilva.

The Vermont Road, Smith's, resident was last seen by a relative at 6 a.m. on Thursday. According to Police, Mr. DeSilva failed to pick up a regular early fare that morning and did not appear at the Buckaroo Restaurant in Hamilton where he usually stops for coffee.

Night duty officers commenced an extensive search of the park immediately after discovering Mr. DeSilva's taxi cab at 3.30 a.m.

They were joined by members of the Bermuda Fire Brigade who supplied large spotlights to illuminate the area.

At daybreak, Police recruits began combing the park and shoreline, and a US Naval Air Station helicopter and Marine Police launch made sweeps over the surrounding waters.

Police divers were forced to call off their underwater search because of poor visibility and rough sea conditions.

When operations were suspended at 1.30 p.m., no trace of the 62-year-old had been found. Sgt. Dale said the search would resume today and continue through the weekend if necessary.

A source told The Royal Gazette yesterday that Mr. DeSilva had been distraught for some time about his wife, who lies comatose in King Edward VII Memorial Hospital. The source said her serious condition may have thrown Mr. DeSilva into a deep depression.

The taxi driver is reported to have left all of his personal belongings, including driver's licence and money, in his unlocked house.

Although hopes for the safe return of Mr. DeSilva appeared to be fading, family members were trying to remain optimistic.

Mr. Henry (Duffy) DeSilva said yesterday he "just can't visualise'' his brother doing any harm to himself.

He said although his brother was a strong swimmer, he did not particularly like the water and would not just jump into the sea.

Police are asking that anyone with information concerning Mr. DeSilva's whereabouts call 911 immediately.

MR. DAVID DESILVA -- well known as a snooker player at the Old Colony Club in Hamilton.