The body of the Chief Engineer of the MV Tongiaki was recovered at sea in the Neiafu Harbour, Vava'u, yesterday June 5. The man's name has not been released by Tonga Police and the Friendly Island Shipping Agency (FISA) while an investigation into his death is underway. He was 48 years old from Kolonga.

Police today confirmed recovery of the body and stated that an investigation is underway into his death.

Meanwhile, the catamaran’s operator Friendly Island Shipping Agency (FISA) CEO Mosese Fakatou said today that the victim was their Chief Engineer.

He said the report so far stated that other staff noticed him missing and alleged that he might have fallen from the catamaran on Sunday, June 3. They went out looking for him, assuming he went on land, but when there was no sight of him, a sea search was then carried out.

The MV Tongiaki returned to Nuku’alofa on Monday, June 4 without him.

The man's is expected to be brought back to the capital later this week.

The aluminum catamaran was launched in January this year offering high-speed service to the outer islands.