The 480 dwt fishing vessel Shun King 8 and the fishing trawler Takuo sank when a tropical cyclone struck Tongatapu, Tonga.   The Shun King 8 was at anchor off  Nuku’alofa with three crew on board when its anchor line broke during the storm.   The vessel drifted in the rough seas until the waves capsized the vessel.   The three crew had requested assistance and two police officers swam out to the sinking vessel.   The officers helped the three crew into a life raft and swam back to shore guiding the life raft.   No reports of injuries.

The government owned fishing vessel Takuo was reported sunk.  No details to if any one was on board at the time.   The cyclone reported winds gusting to 100 kph with waves heights reaching 4 meters.

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