A whale-watching vessel named Tethys capsized south of Mu’amoa in Vava’u on August 6, reigniting concerns about maritime safety and oversight in Tonga’s bustling whale tourism industry.
This follows warnings from Neiafu’s Town Officer Vava Lapota months before the whale-watching season that Chinese-imported vessels in Neiafu required closer inspection by authorities.
The seasonal activities are currently underway and will continue until November.
The vessel was towed back to port that evening, with no reported injuries, but the incident has sparked urgent questions about compliance and accountability.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the Tethys appeared to have suffered a bilge pump failure before capsizing.
“This could of been a major incident and deaths could of occurred but thankfully didn’t,” a source told Kaniva News, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the issue.
The incident has raised serious questions about maritime safety protocols, with industry observers demanding answers to critical questions: Was the Tethys equipped with operational safety equipment prior to departure?
Why were previous reports about hull damage not addressed before permitting the vessel to operate?
Most crucially, has this potentially catastrophic incident been officially reported to Tongan police authorities for investigation?
These unanswered questions highlight growing concerns about oversight in Vava’u’s whale watching industry during peak season.
Local authorities have yet to release an official report, but community leaders and maritime experts are demanding transparency:
“This cannot be swept under the table. It needs to be transparent and a proper investigation done,” a source asked.
Lapota confirmed to Kaniva News that the Tethys matched one of the three damaged vessels he reported months ago.
He expressed concerns about the vessels’ safety standards, citing prior reports of hull damage.
Kaniva News could not reach the relevant authorities or the owner of the vessel for comment.
