This afternoon, Tonga Police responded to reports of a missing boat in Ha’apai’s waters. A coordinated effort by the local community and the Tonga Police Search and Rescue (SAR) team successfully located the vessel, confirming all passengers are safe.
The incident involved a male town officer from Kotu and three women with a toddler traveling from Kotu to Pangai. Their boat reportedly sank around 8 a.m. between Kotu and Ha’afeva islands.
Remarkably, the town officer swam to Lofanga Island to seek assistance, arriving in the afternoon, and securing the rescue operation. Men from the the island of Mo’unga’one saved the passengers.
Authorities supported the passengers in Lofanga, while further police investigations are underway.
The sinking of the boat was allegedly due to a leak.
Social media posts on the incident have drawn attention to the bravery of the town officer and the swift response from the community and SAR team.