Tributes are flowing for a woman identified as Siokapesi Hefa following reports that she died after a boat overturned in Tonga.
Photos of Hefa shared alongside messages of condolence showed her dressed in a nursing uniform and identified her as a nurse at Vaiola Hospital.
Friends, relatives and members of the community have taken to social media to mourn her death as news of the incident spread.
Her reported death follows an incident involving a boat that apparently overturned after being launched.
Video footage circulating online and reported earlier by Kaniva News showed another boat towing the overturned vessel, which was upside down in the water.
Preliminary reports said a woman had died in the incident and that marine authorities had been called to the scene.
Further details about what caused the vessel to overturn and the circumstances surrounding Hefa’s reported death remain unclear.
Heartfelt tributes have continued to flow on social media as family members, friends and members of the community mourn Siakapesi’s sudden death and share memories of her life.
One commenter wrote: “Gone too soon,” expressing shock and sadness at her sudden death.
Another commenter, who said she had been a friend of the deceased, described her as a kind and loving person whose death had left her struggling to find words.
A third mourner offered condolences to Siokapesi’s family, saying they were in her thoughts and prayers during what she described as a heartbreaking time.
Another tribute remembered her for the positive impact she had on those around her, saying her memories would remain with the people who knew and loved her.
Police have yet to publicly release an official statement confirming the incident or providing details about the victim and circumstances of her death.
Kaniva News is seeking further information from authorities.
The story will be updated as more official information becomes available.
