Tragic end to winter escape

A New Zealand-based Scotsman believed to have drowned in Tonga's ferry tragedy had only just begun his holiday and was there to escape the cold South Island winter.

Daniel MacMillan, 48, who had lived in New Zealand for about 20 years, had planned to spend a month in Tonga - sightseeing, relaxing in the sun and whale watching.

The night before he boarded the Princess Ashika in Nuku'alofa, he had been socialising with people he had just met before catching a bus to a guest house.

Brian Heagney, who operates a dive shop, met him on the bus and said he was in good spirits. He told the Herald last night from Tonga, that when they arrived at the guest house Mr MacMillan went straight to sleep.

Another man, Peter Ponta, spoke with him over breakfast and said: "I took him to the Bill Fish for a few beers and then he went to the ferry."

Mr Ponta said Mr MacMillan had planned to spend a month in Tonga.

A Christchurch neighbour, Leanne Campbell, said Mr MacMillan had been excited about his trip, researching the area and learning some of the language.

His flatmate, Paul Ashford, said Mr MacMillan had gone to Tonga to avoid the rest of the local winter. He was not sure if he had family in New Zealand.