21 May 2007
A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K Orion was dispatched last night to assist in the search for a distressed fishing boat 53 nautical miles north of Samoa.
The Orion joined the search at 5.30pm after the engine of fishing vessel "Sweet Dolly" stopped and the boat's three-man crew issued a distress signal.
Orion captain Flight Lieutenant Aaron Benton and his crew pinpointed the boat’s location on radar quickly and a number of nearby fishing boats and the Tongan patrol vessel Pangai were contacted to offer assistance.
Pangai approached the boat to find the crew safe. Repairs and replacement batteries were provided and the fishing boat was able to leave under its own power.
The Orion returned to Whenuapai Air Force Base at 3.20am this morning.
ENDS
For further information please contact James Heffield, Defence Public Relations, on 04 496 0286 or 021 676 338.