New South Wales, Australia – A Tongan man has died after getting into trouble in the water with two other men at a beach on the New South Wales Mid North Coast.

A photo of Kauvaka Tupou shared by family members and friends on social media.

The man has been identified by kāinga and friends on social media as Kauvaka Tupou, as messages of grief and condolences began circulating following news of the tragedy.

NSW Police have not yet publicly named the man, and Kaniva News has not independently confirmed the identification with Australian authorities.

Police said emergency services were called to Saltwater Beach, Saltwater, about 18km southeast of Taree, at about 1.45pm on Sunday, 20 September, following reports that three people were in trouble in the water.

Officers from the Manning/Great Lakes Police District attended alongside surf lifesavers.

The three men, all aged in their 20s, were pulled from the water.

NSW Ambulance paramedics treated all three at the scene, but one of the men could not be revived and died.

The two survivors were taken to Manning Base Hospital for treatment. Police have not publicly disclosed the nature of their injuries or their current conditions.

The circumstances surrounding how the three men got into difficulty remain unclear.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident and said a report will be prepared for the Coroner.

Tributes have begun flowing on social media for Kauvaka, with grieving relatives and friends expressing shock and disbelief at his sudden death.

Messages remembered him with affection and offered prayers and condolences to his kāinga, with several describing his death as a heartbreaking loss and saying he had been taken far too soon.

“Rest in peace, Kauvaka. Still cannot believe you are gone. Our hearts are broken. Sending all our love and prayers to your family during this difficult time. ʻOfa atu,” a commenter wrote.

“Gone far too soon, Kauvaka Tupou. Such heartbreaking news. May God comfort your family and everyone who knew and loved you. Rest peacefully, brother,” another wrote.

One commenter expressed particular sympathy for Kauvaka’s wife and their only child following his sudden death.

“A sad day for the family and everyone who knew Kauvaka. Our deepest condolences to his parents, siblings, relatives and friends. May the Lord give you strength through this unimaginable loss.”

NSW Police statement on the Saltwater Beach death