Body found in search for British woman missing after Tonga tsunami

A body has been found in the search for a missing British woman in Tonga, her brother has said.

An undersea volcano erupted near the Pacific nation on Saturday (January 15), sending large tsunami waves crashing across the shore and islanders rushing to higher ground.

Angela Glover, from the Brighton area, was reportedly swept away while she was trying to rescue her dogs. The 50-year-old had been running a rescue centre in the capital Nuku'alofa.

In social media posts, friends of Angela said her husband James reportedly managed to cling onto a tree when the wave hit, but Angela and the dogs were swept away.

Ms Glover’s brother, Nick Eleini, spoke to Sky News in Hove today (January 17) and confirmed a body had been found in the search for Angela.

He said: "Angela who is 50 had been living with her husband James in Tonga since getting married.

"During their time in Tonga they'd become well loved by locals and ex-pats alike.

"James who is a tattoo artist had started a tattoo shop called The Happy Sailor, he employed local Tongans and taught them everything they need to become tattoo artists.

"Angela has always had a deep love of dogs and so started an animal welfare charity called TAWS - 'Tonga Animal Welfare Society'

"Its aim was to provide shelter and rehabilitation for stray dogs before finding homes for them.

"I understand that this terrible accident came about as they tried to rescue their dogs."

Mr Eleni added: "James and Angela loved their lives in Tonga and adored the Tongan people and their love of family.

"From a little girl it was always Angela's dream to swim with whales and it was Tonga that allowed her to fulfil these dreams.

"As you can imagine, her family is devastated and we respectfully request that we are given privacy to grieve."

'We just adore her'

• Angela Glover's brother, Nick Eleini, remembers his sister.

He described his sister as "a great, fun, girl, just lovely to be around" and said the family "just adore her".

The news of Angela's disappearance led to an outpouring of grief on social media.

Charity South Pacific Animal Welfare wrote in a Facebook post: "Our hearts are broken with the devastating news that our wonderful friend and colleague Angela Glover has gone missing during the tsunami in Tonga."

"Thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by this disaster."