A father and his two sons from Kauvai island in Ha’apai are well after spending hours drifting at sea off Ha’apai Islands on Monday, following an unexpected weather change.
According to Deputy Police Commissioner Tevita Vaileta in an interview with Tonga Broadcasting Commission, the trio set out in an aluminum boat from Kauvai to Foa Island at 1 p.m., planning for a trip that usually takes under an hour. However, worsening weather conditions, including strong winds and swells, caused them to drift off course.
Siosifa Maka, District Officer for Fakakakai Island, coordinated a search with Ha’apai police. “The swells and strong winds made it challenging, but we located them around 6 p.m. as they were returning safely,” Maka said.
The father explained that they had been carried to Luahoko Island, where they waited until the weather calmed enough to make their way back.
Authorities are urging seafarers to monitor weather advisories before departing, noting recent incidents in the region. Last week, a boat sank in Ha’apai waters, though all passengers were rescued safely.
