King Tupou VI commissioned three new Tonga Police Search and Rescue boats today, Thursday 3 December at Tu’imatamoana Wharf in Ma’ufanga.

The boats which have been named by the King are for three islands, 'Alotolu for Tongatapu, ‘Amolua for Ha’apai and Kapakau-'o-Tafahi for Vava’u.

Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell said the first role of the police is to protect citizens and the three new rescue boats and trained staff will ensure more lives are saved in Tonga's coastal waters.

"This is a highly signifcant day for Tonga because this greatly increases our ability to respond more quickly and professionally to marine search and rescue."

He raised the bravery and professionalism of Chief Inspector Peleki, his crew and Jim Guthrie AFP Advisor when they battled stormy seas on their new rescue boat on 25 November where two men were trapped on the cliffs at Hufangalupe.

“Through their bravery, perseverance and seamanship they saved one life, who would have been lost to the sea otherwise, and returned one body to his family that also would have been lost at sea.”

Maritime safety

High Commissioner HE Sarah Walsh said New Zealand places high priority on maritime safety across the Pacific and the three boats launched, would play an important role in maritime safety in Tonga.

She said New Zealand is proud to be supporting Tonga Police through TPDP with their contribution to the first phase from 2008-2013 $14 million pa’anga and $21 million pa’anga for the second phase that currently runs from 2013-18.

Kathleen Bombell, Second Secretary Development at the Australian High Commission, said the development of a professional maritime search and rescue service in Tonga has the potential to benefit not only the Tonga Police but all of Government operations.

TPDP is a tri-partite agreement between the Governments of Tonga, New Zealand and Australia.