Fisherman drowns at Ha’atafu [1]
Monday, February 6, 2017 - 21:30
A 46-year old man, Sione Feleti Kinikini drowned on Saturday, February 4 at Ha’atafu when he jumped off a fishing boat fearing it would capsize after being hit by a big wave, during a fishing trip.
Tonga Police reported today that the victim was returning from a routine long line fishing trip with the skipper (42) at around 9:00am, when their small fishing boat was hit by a big wave and took on water.
The victim who feared that the boat would capsize was reported to have jumped into the ocean. The skipper could not see where he was when he jumped out as he was trying to prevent the boat from capsizing.
When he got control of the boat Sione had disappeared. His body was found on the same morning swept onto shore.
Police from Nukunuku station were called to the scene and transported the body to Vaiola Hospital. The doctor confirmed drowning as the cause of death.
The two men from Ha'atafu were reported to have left at around 6:00am on the same day for their fishing trip.