The King of Tonga, Tupou VI, has commissioned three new search and rescue boats for the police.
The craft, the first marine rescue vessels in Tonga in ten years, have been paid for through the police development programme, which is backed by Australia and New Zealand.
They cost just over US$830,000.
Radio Tonga reports the boat 'Alotolu will operate in Tongatapu while 'Amolua and Kapakau 'o Tafahi will be based in Vava'u and Ha'apai.
The police commissioner, Steven Caldwell, says the boats will greatly increase their ability to respond quickly, professionally and effectively to marine search and rescue needs.
