Spectacular eruption destroys popular Tongan fishing spot

Tongan fishing guide Lothar Slabon watched his favourite spot disappear in plumes of steam and ash yesterday as a spectacular undersea volcano erupted under the ocean.

Mr Slabon and six others took a boat to within 100m of the volcano that has been erupting for days near the coast of the Tongan capital, Nuku'alofa.

He spent two hours listening to dark rumblings "like drums" under the ocean and watching the hissing plumes of steam.

"It was kind of mind-blowing, there was a vibration in the air, and a smell, and then the sound ... it's probably a once in a lifetime experience."

Mr Slabon said his excitement was mixed with sadness because a green and rocky island near which he loved to fish was being smothered in volcanic rock and ash.

"There must be thousands of dead birds on the island. It's so sad to see the damage."

Authorities said yesterday the eruption - which has been shooting smoke, steam and ash thousands of metres into the sky - does not pose any danger to islanders.

The eruption is about 10km from the southwest coast of Tonga's main island of Tongatapu - an area where up to 36 undersea volcanoes are clustered, geologists said. Scientists sailed yesterday to inspect the volcano.

Coastal residents said the steam and ash column that appeared on Monday morning after a series of sharp earthquakes was felt in Nuku'alofa.

"This is not unusual for this area and we expect this to happen here at any time," said Tonga's geological service head, Keleti Mafi.