The search continues for two men and a teenager, who have been missing for over a week now, after their small sank between Niutoua and 'Eueiki.

Tonga Police today confirmed the names today, as Malakai Tonga Vailea aka Kelepi Vailea (40), Pita Sanele ‘Uvea (42) both from 'Ohonua, 'Eua and 15-year-old, Tu’italau Kingston Tonga of Nualei on Tongatapu.

On 30 August at around 7:00pm, six men boarded the small boat at a wharf in Afa, eastern Tongatapu bound for 'Eua. The boat encountered difficulties and sank between Niutoua and 'Eueiki.

Police reported that one man, Feleti Faha’ivalu (49) of Vaini, managed to swim ashore at Niutoua, where he reported the tragic incident, in the early morning of 31 August.

A search and rescue operation found two men. One survived, Tevita Sakea Vailea (60) of 'Ohonua, ‘Eua, but the other man who died was identified as Makisi Tonga (42) of Nualei.

In an update on 8 September, Tonga Police, Tonga Navy assisted by private boats continued their search, for the three who remain missing, in the surrounding coasts and land areas on the eastern Tongatapu.

The search area included the small islands of ‘Eueiki, Tau, ‘Ata, Nuku, Fukava, Motutapu, ‘Onevao,‘Onevai and Monuafe.

Lulutai Airlines also carried out an aerial search but with no results.

Meanwhile, Police had also received a report from ‘Emeline coast on the Niutoua coast of bottles and other goods swept onshore.

The public is urged, especially those living on eastern Tongatapu, including Hala Liku, and on the outer islands of ‘Eueiki and ‘Eua, to contact Police at 922, 23-713, 770-1271 or 783-7221, if they have any information that may assist in their search.