Losemani Fo'ou drifts at sea after rescue [1]
Sunday, February 5, 2017 - 10:34. Updated on Monday, February 6, 2017 - 11:04.
Photos by Dr. Gudrun Berger and others on the Albatros
After leaving Nuku'alofa, passengers on the cruise ship Albatros witnessed the rescue of six Tongan fishermen from the distressed fishing boat Losemani Fo'ou yesterday afternoon in big swells south of Tonga.
A passenger Dr Gudrun Berger from Germany took photos of the rescue. Her son Henrik Berger told Matangi Tonga, "The... picture shows the fisher boat, being left behind in the sea."
The Albatros is due to arrive in Auckland on Monday, with the fishermen who are reported to be in good health.
Maritime New Zealand reported that the men could not start the motor with a flat battery and were drifting without water for three days. The 11.5m boat was swamped in swells of up to 3m. An RNZAF P3 Orion from Whenuapai in New Zealand earlier dropped a radio and emergency equipment to the Losimani Fo'ou crew.
The Albatros diverted 300km to rescue the men.
Tonga Police will release the names of the men, after their families in Tonga have been contacted.
Related article: Cruise ship crew rescues distressed Tongan fishermen [2]