Man dies in night boat collision [1]
Thursday, March 6, 2014 - 15:30. Updated on Friday, March 7, 2014 - 10:06.
A 40-year-old man died early yesterday morning, Wednesday March 5, after falling overboard during a boat collision at Nafanua Wharf in ‘Eua.
Police said Petelo Halangahu from Angaha fell overboard in the dark when the small fishing boat he was a passenger in collided with another fishing boat at about 3:00am to 4:00am at the wharf.
The two small fishing boats were helping to ferry passengers and cargo from a Tonga Navy Patrol Boat which had arrived with a funeral party, but anchored out because it was not able to reach the wharf.
Petelo was one of five passengers on the small fishing boat that was heading towards the navy vessel and the other boat was coming back from the navy boat and they allegedly collided in the dark causing Petelo and the captain on his boat to fall overboard. They were immediately rescued from the water, but the victim was not breathing when they got him out of the water, stated Police.
He was rushed to Niu’eiki Hospital where the doctor confirmed he had died before arrival. The captain remained in hospital with minor injuries.
An inquest is expected to be held this week to confirm the cause of death.
Police have not confirmed whether the fishing boats had any lights to guide them.