Search efforts in Tonga for a man missing at sea have ended after days of operation yielded no new clues following the rescue of his two companions on 18 February.
Police Deputy Commissioner ‘Atunaisa Taumoepeau confirmed to Matangi Tonga today that the search was formally called off on Friday, 20 February 2026.
He said there were no new developments that could help locate the missing man.
The man had been travelling with two others who were rescued by the New Zealand Navy on 18 February, after being spotted by a Royal New Zealand Air Force P‑8A Poseidon aircraft during an aerial search.
The men were located approximately 105 nautical miles south of Tonga.
Police did not release the names of the men or disclose why they had travelled far out to sea.
“The circumstances surrounding this incident remain under investigation,” Taumoepeau reportedly said.
The 11.5‑metre wooden vessel, Mysterious Wonder, left Tongatapu on 8 February. Authorities were alerted on 17 February that the boat was missing, prompting the multinational search effort.
Police have not indicated whether the search may resume if new information emerges.
