Four marine search and rescue operations saved 20 people in Tonga over the weekend, while one life was lost.

Tonga Police Maritime Search and Rescue Team coordinated the different operations, including 1 on Friday February 3 and three on Saturday February 4.

A 46 year old man from Ha'atafu died on Saturday from drowning while out fishing in heavy seas during unsettled windy weather over the weekend.

Sopu capsize

In another incident a small boat returning from 'Atata carrying six people capsized near the Sopu waterfront while on its way to Nuku'alofa on Saturday morning, February 4. As the boat approached the foreshore the engine died in rough seas and a wave capsized the boat. The men were able swim to shore as it was close, said a police spokesperson.

Vava’u

Earlier, on Friday February 3 a search and rescue operation for a local fishing vessel ‘Elenoa 1 at Vava’u was conducted, after the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) picked up an active beacon and relayed this information to the Tonga Police Maritime Team.

The vessel had experienced an engine problem 20 miles south of Vava'u with eight fishermen on board, said the spokesperson.

A local fishing vessel from Neiafu made an attempt to reach the Elenoa 1 on Friday but was forced to return to Neiafu due to rough seas. The same fishing vessel went out again on, Saturday February 4 and reached the distressed boat and towed it back to Neiafu safely, along with the eight on board.

Both boats arrived in Neiafu at around 4:50pm on Saturday.

FV Losemani Fo'ou

Another six fishermen from the FV Losemani Fo'ou were rescued on Saturday in southern Tongan waters by the cruise ship Albatros.

Tropical depression

Today Monday, Feburary 6 a tropical depression 09F lies slow moving to the far west northwest of Tongatapu and 'Eua bringing more clouds, rain and thunderstorms to the group this week.

Tonga Met said a Heavy Rain Warning remains in force for all of Tonga, A flash flood advisory remains in force for all of Tonga low lying areas.