Pilima Langi (63) from Faleloa died on Thursday, January 28 after the small boat that she was in with 17 others capsized in heavy seas off Foa Island.

Police in Nuku’alofa this morning confirmed the name of the deceased.

Niu’ui Hospital in Pangai has discharged the two other passengers who were admitted after nearly drowning. The other passengers were released after being taken to the hospital, following their ordeal in the sea.

Pilima was among 18 people, who were on board a Constituency 13 ferry boat ‘Ha'apai 13’ that capsized on Wednesday afternoon, while returning from Ha'ano to Faleloa.

A local diver, Darren Rice and his 15-year-old son J.J., swam out in white waters to push the capsized boat to shore, while the passengers clung to the sides, had rescued all from the sea off the northern point of Faleloa.

Tonga Police have opened an investigation into the marine incident.