One man has died, while three men remain missing after their small open boat sank between Niutoua and 'Eueiki on Tuesday night, 30 August, with six men onboard.

Tonga Police reported last night that the search for three men was continuing.

On the morning of 31 August, they were able to rescue two men, however one had since passed away.

Police stated that after 7:00pm on 30 August six men boarded the boat at a wharf in Afa on eastern Tongatapu, bound for 'Eua.

The fibre boat was around 6-7 m long, with a 60hp engine.

It was reported that when the boat reached the sea area between Niutoua and 'Eueiki, they encountered difficulties.The boat sank and they held onto bottles, that were being used as buoys, to stay afloat.

However, it was getting dark quickly and they drifted apart.

One of the men managed to swim to Niutoua, arriving onshore, after 2:00am yesterday. He reported the sinking to Police.

The search and rescue boat 'Alo Tolu set out and searched the area and called for assistance from boats in the area. They were also joined by Tonga Navy’s patrol boat and others.

Last night the search continued for the three men who remained missing at sea.

Tonga Police urged people to be vigilant for any sightings of the men, to provide information to assist with their search, particularly those on the eastern district, and villages around Liku and the islands of 'Eueiki and 'Eua.

Anyone with information should contact them on telephone 922, 23713, 7701271 or 7837221.