The family of a man who disappeared while diving off the coast of Bunbury almost a week ago say they want the search to continue until he is brought home.

Michael Quadrio, 65, was diving from a boat about 10 nautical miles off the coast on Friday when he got into trouble and disappeared beneath the water.

The incident was reported to police just before 11am, sparking a search.

“A number of resources were deployed to the area and are attempting to locate the diver, including Water Police, Police Air Wing and Bunbury Marine Rescue,” a WA police spokeswoman said at the time.

WA Police said they had suspended the search on Tuesday, pending any new information.

Michael Quadrio was an experienced diver. (Supplied: family)

Daughter Jacqueline Anne Quadrio said her father had most likely been trying to catch crayfish ahead of the festive season.

“It was meant to be a quick one,” she said

“I think Dad would have gone out with the hopes of catching crayfish for Christmas because that was his thing, he used to always bring along some crays and crayfish mornay.”

Ms Quadrio said her dad was an experienced diver who was well-loved by his family, including his six grandchildren.

“He was very well loved in the community, he loved everybody … and diving was something he loved,” she said. 

“That was his outlet to get out and explore the world.”

Jacqueline Quadrio and her brothers at a candlelight vigil for their dad. (Supplied: Quadrio family)

Calls for police to keep searching

Earlier this week family and friends gathered at beaches across the state for candlelight vigils as they called on police to do more to help bring the grandfather-of-six home.

“I went down the following morning [after the vigil] to collect the candles,” Ms Quadrio said.

“I was quite heartbroken that the water was crystal clear, it was a very calm day, there was people all over the beach, there was boats out on the ocean not far from where Dad actually was on that day, and it’s just very sad that no one is keeping an eye out.

“We just want to find him and bring him home to rest.”

A number of people held candlelight vigils for Michael Quadrio after he was reported missing at sea.  (Supplied: Jacqueline Anne Quadrio)