The family of Fonua ʻĀmanu Tāufa, one of the four Tongans killed in the New Zealand fishing boat tragedy, plans to fly his body home to Tonga.
Fonua died along with six other Pacific Islanders when the charter boat Francie, which they had hired for a fishing trip, capsized while trying to cross the sand bar at the entrance to Kaipara harbour in rough condition last Saturday (November 26).
Three of 11 people who were on board the boat survived, but one is still missing, presumed dead. It was one of New Zealand’s recent largest maritime disasters
Fonua’s sudden death had shocked the Tāufa clan.
Fonua and his wife Tēpola, also known as Debbie, had booked air tickets to travel to Tonga on December 15 for a family reunion on December 19 being organised by Fonua’s father’s family.
‘Isapela Tolutaʻu told Kaniva News her 42-year-old cousin’s body was expected to be flown to Tonga this weekend or next week.
We understand Fonua’s wife wanted his body to be taken to Tonga.
Tolutaʻu said Tāufa was the youngest of three children.
We have learnt through the manager of Nasita Production and Designs, Veili Pāongo, that Fonua and Debbie had asked his company to design t-shirts for the December reunion.
The original design they wanted for the t-shirt was in orange colour and showed an image of Fonua’s grandparents Sione and Sela Tāufa..
But after the death of her husband, his wife contacted Nasita on Monday and asked them to replace the grandparents’ photo with a photo of Fonua.
She said she also wanted to change the orange colour to black.
Police yesterday officially released the names of all the seven deceased.
They are Taulagi Afamasaga (Samoan) , 56, also known as “Lagi”, Auerua Ngametuaangai Aria (Cook Islander), 59, Alipate Afeaki Manumu’a (Tongan), 33, also known as “Pate”, Fred Marsters (Cook Islander), 58, also known as “Freddy”, Tevita Natisolo Tangi (Tongan), 31, also known as “David”, Fonua Amanu Taufa (Tongan ), 42, also known as “Nua” and Sunia Ungounga (Tongan), 43.
Waitemata Police said search operation continued for Mr Afamasaga. They said Police 4-wheel drive vehicles have conducted a further shoreline search this afternoon, which will continue into the evening.
Police family liaison officers have been assigned to the families of each of the men, and these officers continue to work closely with the families.
Search efforts will continue tomorrow and will involve the use of quad bikes to allow a search of the northern tip of the South Head, Police said.
The main points
- The family of Fonua ʻĀmanu Tāufa, one of the four Tongan killed in the New Zealand fishing boat tragedy, plans to fly his body home to Tonga.
- Fonua died along with six other Pacific Islanders when the charter boat Francie, which they had hired for a fishing trip, capsized at Kaipara harbour on Saturday 26.
- Fonua and his wife had booked air tickets to travel to Tonga for a family reunion on December 19.
- Kaniva Newsunderstands his body is expected to be flown to Tonga this weekend or next week.
