Francis Iohasi Tu’amoheloa (22) of Vaini, died from drowning, an inquest has found. His body was found floating at Vaipua Harbour, Vava’u on 11 October.

Tonga Police stated today that a formal inquest on Thursday, 13 October on the outer island confirmed the cause of death as drowning as well as his identity.

Investigation confirmed that he was in Vava’u on a work contract with Oricon Construction.

Police stated that on Saturday, 8 October, he was last seen intoxicated but went for a swim late at night at Vaipua Harbour. When he failed to show up on Sunday morning, a family member went to the police station to check whether he was detained. It was not until Tuesday, 11 October that his body was found.

The deceased body was returned to Tongatapu for his funeral accompanied by his mother.

Tonga Police extended their condolences to the family for their tragic loss.