A Fafa Island Holiday Resort employee, Mosese Ongosia (28), who died at Vaiola Hospital on 7 February, was one of two staff who collapsed while bailing out a septic tank on the island.  

Mosese Ongosia and a colleague, Sione 'Unaloto (18) were rushed to Vaiola Hospital last Thursday evening.

The Police said they were told by a resort spokesperson that the practice of emptying out the septic tank with buckets was usually carried out at night, "because of the guests", but on Thursday, Mosese and Sione had started early, at 5:00pm.

The police said that it was apparent that Mosese had passed out when he was discovered by Sione, and while Sione was trying to get Mosese out of the tank, he also passed out. Mosese died after arrival at Vaiola, but Sione was recovering, "it is as though Sione had a heart attack, because it is very difficult for him to talk."

The police estimated the size of the septic tank to be the same with that of normal home water tank, 2m by 2.5m, and about 2m deep.

The caused of death has yet to be confirmed but neither the police nor the hospital had any knowledge of the finding of an inquest.

Mosese was  buried today, 14 February, in Nuku'alofa.