One Rescued, Five Still Missing In Fishing Vessel Incident

One of the six personnel of a fishing vessel who went overboard was located by the Royal New Zealand Airforce P-3 Orion.

Republic of Fiji Military Forces Naval Division Maritime Commander, Commander Timoci Natuva confirmed that the survivor is yet to be interviewed.

"Once we interview the survivor we can get a better understanding of what actually happened - which the Police will deal with as the evidence dictates.

"Our focus is now to save lives and ensure that the drifting vessel will not become a navigation hazard."

The deteriorating weather condition is not helping in search efforts for the five. The vessel had a total of eight crew members.

The RFMF Naval Division through the Rescue Coordination Centre is coordinating search and rescue operations.

The Centre confirmed that the six went overboard of a fishing vessel 90 miles west of Navula passage. Two personnel remained on the boat.

The vessel is a Fiji flagged offshore longliner.  It is understood that locals and foreigners are employed onboard.

Here's a timeline of events:

• The Rescue Coordination Centre received information of the incident yesterday (Wednesday) morning.
• A Life Flight aircraft departed from Nadi for the search
• RFNS Kikau departed last night (Wednesday 8pm) for the search area.
• RFNS Kikau was on scene by this morning.
• A Royal New Zealand Airforce P-3 Orion joined with the search this morning and helped locate the vessel.
• RFNS Kikau has found the boat and are currently searching for missing persons.

RFN through @fmsrcc currently coordinating a SAR for 6 missing pers who went overboard of a fishing vessel 90 miles west of Navula passage.

RFNS Kikau departed last night, currently on scene. RNZAF P3 Orion on scene to support the search.#FijiNews #fijinavy pic.twitter.com/UjjijKbQ5o

— Republic of Fiji Navy (@FijiNavy) May 20, 2021