Kiwi feared among dead in rising ferry toll

A young New Zealander serving with the Niuean police force on the multinational force in the Solomon Islands, Sisiliah Puleheloto, 24, is missing, feared dead, in the Tongan ferry capsize.

Her Tongan cousin 'Akesa Luani of Puke in Tongatapu told the Matangi Tonga newspaper Ms Puleheloto boarded the ill-fated MV Princess Ashika with Ms Luani's brother, Dwenelle, 25.

Mr Luani survived the capsize, but last saw Ms Puleheloto grasping at seats inside the passenger lounge, as the floundering ferry rolled over, swamped by waves in the middle of the night.

He had gone onto the upper open deck of the ferry to have a smoke and talk with a friend, while Sisiliah remained inside the passengers' lounge.

As the ferry overturned, the water came up so quickly that he could not get back to help her. As he was gripping onto the seat outside on the deck, he last saw her holding onto the seats inside the lounge.

She remains one of the 93 people who are missing after the ferry sank in Ha'apai waters on Wednesday, August 5.

"Unfortunately the dream holiday has turned into a nightmare, which has cost her life," said Ms Luani, whose older sister, 'Ana said family members in New Zealand are absolutely devastated with the news that she is still missing.

Ms Puleheloto was serving in the Solomon Islands under the Regional Assistance Mission, widely known as RAMSI, when she took leave to visit her Tongan cousins for the first time on August 3. 1/4.

She wanted to do some sightseeing and see what it was it like in the outer islands.

The newspaper said on its website that Ms Puleheloto was an outgoing, energetic and down to earth person who was always happy and smiling.

"She loves children, her job and working with the community," said Ms Luani. "We are not giving up hope that she may still be alive out there, waiting for help to come".

Ms Puleheloto is due back for duty in the Solomons at the end of the month.

- NZPA