A 34-year-old man from Haʻapai drowned at Houma ‘Utulau Beach this morning after being swept away by strong currents, police confirmed.
Chief Superintendent Atunaisa Taumoepeau of the Longolongo Police Station told Tonga Broadcasting that the victim was at the beach with colleagues before jumping into the water.

“He was swept away into the deep by strong currents and disappeared,” Taumoepeau said.
Two companions attempted to rescue him but were unsuccessful. His body was later recovered, but efforts to revive him failed.
Police responded to the incident but provided no further details.
This marks the second drowning case in Tonga this year. On Sunday, another person died at Fanga Taupoʻou Beach in Niutoua.