A sea search has begun in Tonga for 11 people, including five children, who were reported missing at sea this morning after their small boat failed to reach Fonoifua Island in Ha’apai as expected, last night.

The search began this morning and was joined by a New Zealand surveillance aircraft this afternoon, flying over the area between 2:00-4:00pm.

Police said that the 40ft fishing boat with 11 passengers departed from Nuku'alofa yesterday afternoon, Monday 27 June, and was bound for Fonoifua island near Mango Island in southern Ha’apai, where it was expected to arrive at about midnight.

The Acting Deputy Commissioner Operations and Crimes ‘Atunaisa Taumoepeau said they received a report from Fonoifua at 8:00am today that the boat [as yet unnamed] had not reached its destination. 

“It departed around 2:00pm and was expected to arrive just before midnight, as the distance is around 55 miles.”

They know the passengers include four boys and one girl aged between 2 years to about 12 years old, and the oldest passenger is a man aged about 50+ years old.

He said that Tonga Police have initiated a search and rescue operation. The HMAF Voea currently in Ha’apai has been requested to join the search, while coastal radio is alerting vessels in the area to look out for the missing boat.

'Atunaisa said two boats from Fonoifua had left this morning to carry out a search of their area, while a Police Search and Rescue boat had already left Nuku’alofa for the search area.

 Meanwhile, it was reported in Parliament's session this morning that two other fishing vessels, which departed the same time to the same destination, had arrived last night. It was also reported that five children were on board the missing boat. The Minister of Police told the House that a New Zealand surveillance aircraft would arrive in Tonga this afternoon to assist in the search.

Police said they had not confirmed the details of the names of passengers at this stage, but they believe that the boat belonged to a man from Fonoifua Island.

Tonga’s domestic inter-island ferry service has been hampered since early this month after the domestic ferry MV 'Otuanga'ofa suspended all services because its rudder needed replacement. It is expected to remain out of action for three-months awaiting the delivery of the new rudder.

 Meanwhile, small boats are providing connections with outer islands.