Search underway for missing Niuatoputapu fishermen [1]
Wednesday, October 7, 2015 - 17:17
A search and rescue operation is underway to find two fishermen from Hihifo, Niuatoputapu, who were reported missing after leaving on a fishing trip early Tuesday morning, 6 October.
Deputy Police Commissioner Pelenatita Fe’ao said today the missing men aged 58 and 49 years left on a 18ft wooden boat from Hihifo, Niuatoputapu, to go fishing at a regular fishing spot on a reef about eight miles from the island.
She said they were expected to return yesterday to Niuatoputapu but when they did not, the matter was reported to police.
“We have since initiated the search and rescue operation and have asked the assistance of the local airline Real Tonga and fishing boats who might be nearby to look out for the missing fishermen. To date we have not received any sighting,” she said.
Tonga Police had also requested New Zealand’s assistance and a RNZAF P3 Orion is expected to fly over to the area tomorrow morning, 8 October to carry out an aerial search.
At the same time, HMAF's Voea Savea vessel will also depart tomorrow to carry out a search of the area.