There were no deaths reported due to road accidents or violent acts during the Christmas and New Year holidays in Tonga.

“This is good news”, said the CEO for the Ministry of Health, Dr Siale ‘Akau’ola today, while thanking the public for taking actions and being responsible citizens during the festive season. 

“Alcohol abuse is the usual cause of injuries both fatal and non-fatal ones from road traffic accidents and violence during this time period.

“The good work by Tonga Police in collaboration with the public in general, church and community groups who held youth camps during the holiday period, in my opinion, should be credited for working together so that we are able to achieve this remarkable outcome,” he said.

"I do encourage these collaborations to be strengthened as ongoing efforts to protect the people of Tonga from fatal and non-fatal injuries due to road traffic accidents and violence."

Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell said today the very proactive approach taken by Police, under the leadership of Acting Commissioner Pelenatita Vaisuai over the Christmas holidays no doubt contributed to this pleasing outcome. 

Tonga Police were expected to release results of their Christmas and New Year Operation soon.

Missing at sea

Meanwhile, the only tragic event on Christmas day was when a 24-year-old man went missing at Laulea Beach, during a family picnic and is now presumed lost.

Viliami Vaka’uta was swept away while trying to rescue his wife who was drowning at sea. A foreigner managed to swim out and saved the man's wife.

Tonga Police have called off the search after no sighting were made.