Two images taken by the crew of an Air Force Orion following a search and rescue call out this morning.
Burning Ship
Survivors of a burning fishing vessel were found safe and sound by an Air Force Orion this morning. The Orion crew was
operating in the Tongan Islands area when they were requested to assist with the Search and Rescue. The Search and
Rescue beacon was activated 200km south of Tongatapu Island in the Tongan Islands group. The Orion crew confirmed they
had sighted a burning vessel still afloat with a life raft nearby at 9:30 this morning
Liferaft
Survivors of the burning vessel were relieved to be spotted by the Air Force Orion crew near Tongatapu Island today. The
Orion crew dropped a rescue package including a radio to the life raft. The captain has confirmed the eleven people on
board are all safely on the life raft. The Tongan Government Patrol vessel Voea Pangai is on route to provide assistance
and should reach the life raft by 4pm today. The Orion will remain overhead the liferaft until the rendezvous takes
place.