We’ve sent our NZAirForce Orion aircraft to join the search for 3 people on a wooden fishing vessel that has gone missing near Kiribati.
Our crew are highly trained in search and rescue operations. The Orion can deploy a life raft and supplies if required.
We’ve sent a Royal New Zealand Air Force Orion aircraft and aircrew to join a search for three people on a 17 foot wooden fishing vessel that has gone missing near Kiribati.
The vessel was reported as having gone missing while fishing between Tarawa and Maiana Islands. It was last seen on 30 October.
Air Kiribati has carried out two visual searches but the fishing vessel has not yet been sighted. A Kiribati search and rescue vessel is also involved.
The Orion will fly to Fiji today where the aircraft will be refuelled and the air crew can overnight prior to a full day’s search tomorrow.
We appreciate the cooperation of authorities in Fiji in allowing the aircraft to land in Fiji. The air crew will follow Fijian Covid-19 prevention protocols.
Our air crew on our long-range maritime surveillance aircraft are highly trained in search and rescue operations. The Orion can deploy a life raft and supplies if required.
