The family of the missing Tokomololo fisherman held solemn vigils amid an unsuccessful search mission to find him.
Bruce Māue, 43, also known as Chris, remains unaccounted for after disappearing during a fishing trip aboard the longliner FV Pacific Horizon on 4 March 2026, Tonga Police said.
Bruce’s family first raised the alarm on Tuesday, March 3, after his fishing employer notified them that he had gone missing “within 24 hours” of being dropped off to board his fishing boat, his first cousin, Lolinda Māue, said in a livestreamed video seen by Kaniva News.
With the search operation now abandoned, Lolinda said Bruce’s disappearance has left “his family and loved ones heartbroken.”
She said the family desperately wants answers about Bruce’s whereabouts.
Lolinda said that while the official process to determine what happened to Bruce is still underway, the family chose to hold a prayer service last week because they do not want to think of his disappearance as an “open coffin.”
Commenters on social media described Bruce as “tamasi’i angalelei,” meaning he was known as a young man of exemplary conduct, held in high regard by his community.
Several people remembered how often he shared his catch with them.
It is understood that Bruce had previously served as a soldier, although it remains unclear whether he was still in that profession at the time he went missing.
Route Before Disappearance
According to police, the vessel departed Tongatapu on Tuesday, 3 March, heading approximately 44 nautical miles northeast to its designated fishing grounds.
While the crew were operating in the area on Wednesday, 4 March, they discovered that one crew member was missing, the police said.
Immediate search efforts were carried out on board and in the surrounding waters, but the missing fisherman could not be found.
In a statement, Tonga Police extended their sympathies to the family and loved ones of the missing crew member, acknowledging the distress caused by the incident.
Authorities also reminded all maritime operators of the ongoing need to prioritise safety at sea and maintain constant awareness of crew welfare during voyages.
