25 October, 2007
A Royal New Zealand Air Force Orion crew has joined the search for what is believed to be a stranded fishing vessel south west of Tonga.
The P-3K Orion aircraft departed RNZAF Base Whenuapai at mid-day today in response to an emergency beacon call-out 140 nautical miles south west of Tongatapu.
The beacon is thought to belong to the 10-tonne fishing vessel Lesila. The number of crew on board is unknown at this stage.
The aircraft is expected to reach the search area in the next hour and a half. Tongan maritime authorities will assist.
ENDS
For further information please contact James Heffield, Defence Public Relations, on 04 496 0286 or 021 676 338.