The search has been called off for two men and a teenager, who have been missing at sea for over two-weeks now, after their small boat sank between Niutoua and 'Eueiki. Six men were in the boat: two have survived, one died and three are missing.

A spokesperson from Tonga Police confirmed today that the search was cancelled, after the last day on 8 September, after no results.

The search was carried out by Tonga Police, and the Tonga Navy assisted by some private boats. An aerial search was also carried out by the local Lulutai Airlines, but had no results.

The three missing have been identified 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.

They were among six men, who on 30 August at around 7:00pm, 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 had earlier confirmed that one man, Feleti Faha’ivalu (49) of Vaini, managed to swim ashore at Niutoua, and reported the tragic incident, in the early morning of 31 August.

The search and rescue operation, which started immediately had 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.