Tonga: Hazard Alert for Sailors Around Home Reef Volcano

Cycles of Periodic Activity

Home Reef is a submarine volcano located in the central Tonga islands between Lateiki (Metis Shoal) and Late Island. It is located 25 km southwest of Late Island, 22 km northeast of Lateiki (Metis Shoal) and 75 km northwest of Mo’unga’one Island at Latitude 18.992°S and Longtitude 174.775°W.

Volcanic activity was first recorded in the mid-19th century and cycles of eruptions and erosion have periodically created and destroyed the small island that formed. In June 2024 an eruption added a new area to the tiny island, sending a volcanic plume skywards and discoloring the surrounding waters.

Satellite phone from the Tonga Geological Services Facebook page showing the ash cloud emanating from Home Reef, Tonga.

Tonga Geological Services (TGS) issued a Public Notice on December 24, 2024 noting that thermal anomalies were still being observed with moderate to low volcanic activity.

“The island still continues to grow along the north-eastern side and imagery shows gray-colour and likely ash-rich clouds”, said the TGS.

“We see no indicators for major explosive eruptions at this point. The volcanic activity poses low risk to the Vava’u and Ha’apai communities. However, all Mariners are advised to sail beyond two nautical miles from Home Reef until further notice.” The following hazard map is to guide all mariners sailing near Home Reef.”

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