Tonga Police have announced the temporary closure of Laulea Beach Resort at Fātumu following the death of a Tongan father from New Zealand who drowned while trying to rescue his sons.
The beach has been designated a Restricted Zone effective from Wednesday, 17 December 2025, at 4pm, under Section 125 of the Tonga Police Act.
Authorities said the closure will allow the Ministry of Police and the Ministry of Lands, Survey, Planning & Natural Resources to install safety signage and clear directional markers.
Anyone who fails to comply with the directive could face a fine of up to $500, imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
Closure Follows Tragic Drowning
The police move comes after a family holiday in Tonga ended in tragedy in November when former heavyweight boxer Semisi Kalu drowned while saving two of his sons from dangerous surf at the infamous Laulea Beach on eastern Tongatapu.
Kalu, a competitor at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, later settled in Auckland, where he ran a drainage business. He had returned to Tonga with his wife and three children to visit his mother.
According to local reports, Kalu’s sons were swept out to sea while swimming on the family’s final day in Tonga. Kalu managed to reach them and bring one son back to shore, but he succumbed to the sea despite resuscitation efforts.
His wife, Alexandria Ma’ilei Kalu, described him as their family’s “hero,” saying he died protecting his children.
Police said the closure is necessary to prevent further tragedies and ensure public safety.
The beach will remain closed until further notice while safety measures are put in place.
Deadly Beach History
As Kaniva News repeatedly reported, Laulea Beach is one of the most dangerous places in Tonga to go swimming due to powerful rip currents and waves known to sweep people out to sea.
In May 2024 Puli ki Puloti Jr Afu dies at Laulea before his body was found.
In January 2024, Selomiti Tufui, a young policewoman, died at the beach.
In 2018 Viliami Vaka’uta, 24, was presumed dead after he attempted to save her wife in the water.
In 2017 Soane Tangipa ʻAtaʻata died after he went swimming at the beach.
In 2015 ‘Inoke Mapaleve Mo’unga, 32, of Kolonga drowned at the beach after visiting there with his wife and friends.
In 2012 Catholic priest, Father Mikaele Mateo , 37, died at Laulea Beach while helping to rescue his five young nephews who were swept out to open sea by the strong currents.
