RNZAF P-8A Poseidon spots missing vessels for two successful Pacific rescues

A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon has successfully located eight people on two missing boats in the Pacific.

CAPTION: Fijian fishermen in trouble at sea are found by a Royal New Zealand Air Force Poseidon. NZDF photo supplied.

The aircraft was flying to Fiji to refuel, while en route to a Kiribati search-and-rescue earlier this week, when Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre asked them to conduct the additional search for a small craft in Fijian waters.

On discovering the vessel, the aircraft crew passed on its location and the Republic of Fiji Navy Ship (RFNS) Savenaca was able to rescue five people on board.

Acting Air Component Commander Group Captain Brett Clayton said the quick response to the diversion request and successful rescue was a credit to the aircraft crew, the RFNS Savenaca ship’s company and Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre. 

“Thanks to the professionalism and readiness of the personnel involved in the air, on the sea and on land, the sailors on this vessel will make it home to their families,” Group Captain Clayton said.  

The P-8A Poseidon and crew resumed the original search for the missing Kiribati boat, with three on board, which they were able to locate.

The fishers had got into trouble with an engine issue on Wednesday.

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