A third diver has died after using a dangerous method known as 'hookah diving' while diving for sea cucumbers this week in Ha'apai.

He was identified as Samiu Kolo (30) who died in Ha'afeva after suffering from decompression on 7 December.

Police Commissioner Grant O'Fee said today the man was diving for sea cucumbers using an illegal practice known as 'hookah diving'.

Police are concerned with this illegal fishing method, which had now resulted in a third death. There had been two deaths so far this year from similar use of this illegal technique, he said.

"Hookah diving uses an engine on a boat pumping compressed air to a diver below the surface. It is dangerous and illegal and we are appealing to divers to never use it," he said.

Police are considering what charges will be laid in relation to this latest incident.

Suicide

It was one of two accidental deaths reported to Tonga Police reported over thelast week.

The Police Commissioner said today that a 58-year-old man committed suicide after hanging himself at a home in Ha'akame on Sunday morning 9 December.

This brings the total of suicides to eight for the year in comparison to seven in 2011. No further details were released on the incident.