‘Aho Ta’e’iloa Ma’ulu’ulu (36) who was missing at sea for two days in Ha’apai has been rescued after being located by an RNZAF Orion, three miles north west of Ha'afeva this afternoon.

Tonga Police said 'Aho is reported to be well and was being transported back to Lofanga, on the HMAF VOEA Savea vessel, together with his boat.

‘Aho rang police on October 3, after 8:00pm reporting that his boat engine died between Mo’unga’one and Nukupule Island.

A search by local boats had started but no sight of him was found.

Police then requested the Orion’s assistance. It arrived in Tonga at 11:00am and carried out the successful search.

NZDF

Group Captain Nick Olney, the Acting Air Component Commander, said a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion aircraft found the missing man in his 6m fibreglass boat shortly after arriving in the search area about midday. 

The Orion had given the boat’s location to a patrol boat from Tonga’s armed forces, which was about 28 kilometres away and was also involved in the search, Group Captain Olney said. The patrol boat rescued the fisherman early this afternoon.

“We are pleased that we were able to help bring about this successful outcome. This is great news for the fisherman, his family and friends,” Group Captain Olney said. 

“When they flew past the crew saw the man standing on the canopy of his boat, waving a flag.

“I would like to commend our crew and everyone involved for a job well done. Without any survival or location equipment this man is exceptionally lucky to have been found by our crew.”

The NZDF took part in the search, which began on Tuesday after a request from the Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ).