The RNZAF’s No. 5 Squadron was kept busy earlier this month with four search and rescue missions in five days. On June 6 an Air Force Orion on routine patrol in the Fijian EEZ was diverted to a rescue beacon in the Fiji island group, 120 nautical miles northeast of Suva. The crew quickly picked up on the beacon and found a yacht foundered on a shallow reef. The yacht’s sole occupant signalled the aircraft with flares, and a radio was dropped to the sailor to establish communication. He was later picked up safe and well by a Fijian patrol boat.
Another Air Force Orion was placed on standby to help a stricken yacht rendezvous with a merchant ship after it ran out of diesel and ripped its sails about 740 km off North Cape.
An Air Force Orion was sent to help the yacht Ciru that capsized with two people on board. The Orion dropped a pack containing a radio, food and water to the yacht at first light. A second Orion then flew to the area where the yacht capsized and helped coordinate a rendezvous with a merchant vessel. Orion tactical coordinator, Flight Lieutenant Glen Donaldson said the missions in quick succession were tiring, “but we’re happy to be helping out. It’s always good to hear that people on the yachts below are ok, healthy and in good spirits.”