Police Marine Search and Rescue Saved 2 Lives at Sea

At around 6 am on Saturday, 15th October 2022, two males, aged 32 and 38 of Tufuvai, ‘Eua departed5 ‘Ohonua coastline on an 8ft fiber boat with a 30-horsepower outboard motor engine to Kalau Island (3.7km from the Southwest of ‘Eua) for fishing, and was due to return at 9 – 10 am that same morning.

When they failed to return 3 hours after their expected arrival time, the boat owner reported the matter to Police. It was clear from his report that the two men had no means of communication with them, and the boat had no life jackets and beacon.

The Police at ‘Eua promptly launched a search and rescue operation by using a local fishing boat, which transported police with a couple of fishermen, heading to Kalau Island.

Fortunately, they located the missing boat at around 7 pm near Ha’aluma Beach with both passengers alive and well.

The two fishermen confirmed that they came across an engine failure at around 10 am.

Because the boat anchor rope broke, they had to use the engine instead as an anchor to slow down drifting.

Tonga Police would like to strongly remind the public and all seafarers, especially fishermen, boat operators, and swimmers, to make sure that basic safety precautions and measures are considered and are in place before embarking on your sea trip.

This should include confirming weather forecasts and the boat to be appropriately equipped with means of communication, life jackets, a beacon, and enough
food supplies.

Tonga Police strongly urge all seafarers to serously take safety measures before going out fishing.