Police have located missing woman Hivakakala Lango’ia (20) boarding the MV ‘Otuanga’ofa ferry at Queen Salote wharf at around midnight last night, September 5.

Acting Chief Superintendent Tevita Vailea said she is safe and well.

Her father reported  his daughter was missing after she messaged him on Sunday, September 3 asking for help claiming that she was held captive by a man in ‘Eua.

But police said that inquiries made today revealed that Hivakakala never went to ‘Eua and her claims of being held captive and other allegations were false.

“She was picked up at around midnight in the company of a man boarding the MV ‘Otuanga'ofa destined for Vava'u, after police received calls from the public.”

He said police in ‘Eua cancelled the search last night when she was located. This was after an extensive search was launched when she was reported missing by her father.

“Police are concerned that the family have been put through this unnecessary worry and also valuable police time and resources have been wasted.”

An investigation continues into the circumstances of this case, he said.