The body of Tevita Kava (29) was recovered yesterday morning in Auckland, Waitemata Harbour. The Tongan-born man went missing 10 days ago after he accidently fell-off of a boat during a friend's birthday party.

Tevita Kava was celebrating his friend’s birthday with others on the boat as it chartered around Auckland’s bay on a Saturday night, June 3. According to a witness, Tevita accidently fell into the water as he was standing on the edge of the large double-decker boat.

The boat turned around to retrieve Tevita but could not find him. Not knowing how to swim, Tevita is believed to have tragically drowned at the point. New Zealand search and rescue looked for Tevita before calling off their operations six days ago.

Friends called Tevita a warm-hearted and humble man who was devoted to his church.