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Police and Crime

4-year-old girl drowns at Talafo'ou beach on New Year's Day

Nuku'alofa, Tonga

Talafo'ou village, Tongatapu.

A four-year-old girl from Talafo'ou tragically drowned at the village beach on New Year's Day, 1 January 2026.

Deputy Police Commissioner Halatoa Taufa told Matangi Tonga that this is the first drowning incident of the year.

He noted that drowning incidents remain a significant concern for Tonga Police.

Other measures taken by Police to prevent drownings, include the temporary closure of Laulea Beach in Fatumu, one of the most popular beaches in Tongatapu, following a previous drowning incident in November.