A search for a missing person who fell into a stretch of water that has a history of drownings on Tongatapu continued this afternoon.
Social media reports confirmed the incident but provided no other details.
Police have yet to comment.
Livestreamed videos shared on Facebook showed an emotional scene characterized by tears and lamentation as those affected grappled with their emotions.
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.
Some residents voiced their frustrations, asking how such an event could have occurred given the spot’s notoriety, which was widely publicised on social media.
Critics have urged swimmers to prioritize safety and heed warning signs to prevent further tragic accidents at the spot.
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.
