Fiji fishermen with distress flares praised for survival steps
31/10/2023
Fishermen with distress flares, who were rescued in Fiji nine days after being reported missing, have been praised for their preparedness to survive at sea.
The three Fiji fishermen in an 8.5-metre boat, the Lewa. were found by a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8A Poseidon crew.
They left Lautoka, Fiji, to go fishing at Nanuya Island in the Yasawa Group for up to two weeks, but reported engine problems. They were carrying life jackets and flares.
The Poseidon crew launched its search after a request from the Rescue Coordination Centre Fiji.
Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre provided oceanic currents and weather data, which helped the Poseidon crew find the missing crew.
They found the fishing boat and remained in the area until a rescue vessel was close enough to pick up the fishermen.
Source: NZDF
