RNZAF Poseidon crew spots fisherman missing for nearly a week in Cook Islands
A Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P-8A Poseidon crew has found a solo fisherman missing for a week in the northern Cook Islands.
19 June, 2026
The man, in his four-metre aluminium skiff, was spotted by the crew this morning (NZT) and he was able to wave to them.
Nearby fishing vessels had indicated they were able to pick the man up.
The fisherman had set off from Pukapuka Island, about 1140km northwest of Rarotonga, for a day’s fishing on Thursday last week (local time) but failed to return.
He was reported overdue to local police the following day and New Zealand’s Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre requested RNZAF help in the search earlier this week.
It was believed he had minimal safety or survival equipment.
The P-8A and crew started the search on Thursday (NZT).
