Two fishermen rescued in ‘Eua [1]
Monday, October 17, 2022 - 23:06
Two fishermen in a fibre boat, with engine failure at sea, were rescued by Tonga Police at Ha’aluma Beach in ‘Eua on Saturday, 15 October, a few hours after they failed to return home.
At 5:00pm on 15 October police in 'Eua responded to a report of the overdue fishing boat.
The two fishermen aged 32 and 38 years of Tufuvai, ‘Eua departed the ‘Ohonua coastline at around 6:00am on that same day on an 8ft fiber boat with a 30-horsepower outboard motor engine, heading to Kalau Island (3.7km southwest of ‘Eua) for fishing.
They were due to return at around 9:00 to 10:00am. When they failed to return three-hours after their expected arrival time, the boat owner reported the matter to police.
Police said it was clear from his report that the two men had no means of communication with them and the boat had no life jackets and beacon.
The Police on ‘Eua launched a search and rescue operation by using a local fishing boat, which transported police with a couple of fishermen, heading to Kalau Island.
“Fortunately, they located the missing boat at around 7:00pm near Ha’aluma Beach with both passengers alive and well. The two fishermen confirmed that they came across an engine failure at around 10:00am. Because the boat anchor rope broke, they had to use the engine instead as an anchor to slow down drifting.”
“Tonga Police strongly reminds the public and all seafarers, fishermen, boat operators, and swimmers to make sure that basic safety precautions and measures are considered and in place before embarking on any sea trip.
“This should include confirming weather forecasts and the boat to be appropriately equipped with means of communication, life jackets, a beacon and enough food supplies.
“We urge that all seafarers take their responsibility for individual safety seriously, some of these situations are avoidable, so we need seafarers to do their part," the Police said.