Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
No Sign Found Of Missing Kiribati Fishermen
DATE: 26 November TIME: 2.45pm
No Sign Found Of Missing Kiribati Fishermen
An RNZAF P3 Orion is returning to New Zealand after finding no sign of three fishermen missing for four days south of the island of Tarawa, Kiribati.
The Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) directed the Orion to the area yesterday, after a request from Kiribati search and rescue authorities.
A search area of 21,000 square kilometres, based on modelling of currents and weather conditions, was covered yesterday. The aircraft stayed on Tarawa overnight and an extended search area, totalling around 42,000 square kilometres, was covered today.
RCCNZ Search and Rescue Coordinator Dave Wilson said the Orion had thoroughly investigated the search area.
“Search conditions on Sunday were described as ideal, and while rain showers today reduced visibility, the Orion crew are confident that if the men were in the search area they would have been found,” he said.
The men, aged 33, 41, and 30, did not return from a day’s fishing in their 6m wooden boat last Wednesday (21 November).
A decision on the next stage of the search will be made by search and rescue authorities in Kiribati and the rescue coordination centre in Fiji.
--
www.maritimenz.govt.nz
ENDS
CNS: Will All Children Be Born Free Of HIV, Syphilis And Hepatitis-B By 2030?
Save The Children: Sudan - One Child Every 10 Seconds Forced To Flee Their Home Since Conflict Began Two Years Ago
People with Disability Australia - PWDA: People With Disability Invisible In Election Debates And Housing Promises
East West Center: NZ Deputy Prime Minister Recounts Longstanding US-NZ Relationship In The Pacific
Global Jews for Palestine: Jewish Organisations' Passover Statement, After 40 Days Of Starvation
APEC: Stronger Immunization Policies Needed As Vaccine Confidence Falls