The names of six men on board the fishing boat Losemani Fo'ou when it left Nuku'alofa on January 30 at around around 3:00pm in the afternoon, were confirmed by the Ports Master's Office in Nuku'alofa  today.

They were named as:

• Vailele Taukitoku (captain and owner) from Kolofo’ou
• Mafi Taukitoku (younger brother of the captain)
• ‘Inoke He
• Tevita Nai
• Manase
• Kasimea

The men are expected to arrive in Auckland tonight on board the cruise ship Albatros that rescued them on Saturday.

Losemani  Fo'ou,  is 21 tonnes and 11.7m long, was abandoned at sea. The boat was being swamped in heavy swells after its battery died.

Passengers and crew on the Albatos filmed the rescue of the men who were lucky to survive their ordeal. The boat had a flat battery and was leaking.

"The ocean does not like carelessness," one told Matangi Tonga.

Tonga's Deputy Police Commissioner Pelenatite Fe'ao Vaisui today thanked the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand and the RNZAF who coordinated the rescue on Saturday. An RNZAF P3 Orion dropped a radio and emergency supplies to the distressed boat which was located by the cruise ship which had to divert its course to rescue the men.

"Their quick and professional response was overwhelming and I pass on my heartfelt thanks, on behalf of the Tongan Government and the families of those rescued."

Dep Com Vaisui stressed the importance of fishermen taking precautions and safety measures before embarking on their voyages. "To make sure that they have a communication means, life jackets, emergency flares and a beacon, a sea worthy vessel and to check the weather forecast."