Royal Humane Society Awa[?]

On May 8, 1955, the Tongan ship "Hifofua' was struck by a great wave about five miles north of Malinoa Island (Tongatapu Group) and thrown on her beam ends. A number of deck passengers were washed overboard, togethei with hatch covers and other deck equipment Most of the passengers managed to swim back to the ship as she righted herself, except one man who was seen to be unable to swim and was apparently in serious danger of drowning about 10 feet from the vessel.

At the time there were strong winds and rough seas; but the "Hifofua's" steward Hausia Manoa, dived into the water, swam ta one of the lifebelts floating on the surface and took it to the drowning man to whom he managed to secure it. He then swam back to the "Hifofua"; seized hold of a trailing fishing line and hauled himself on to the ship in a state of near exhaustion. The man was brought on board again about 50 minute! later.

At the British Residency, Nukualofa, on Queen's Birthday weekend, the British Consul Mr. C. R. H. Nott, presented the Royal Humane Society's Bronze Medal and Certificate to Hausia Manoa. Our photograph (by Hettig) was taken as Mr. Nott pinned on the medal Prince Tugi (centre) looks on.