Chinese Fishing Vessel Damaged By Fire, 14 Onboard Safe
Royal New Zealand Airforce aircraft conveyed that lifeboats are in the water as the ship takes in water.
Friday 16 August 2019 | 16:35
A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion has found the Chinese fishing vessel Jin Xiang 6, which has been damaged by fire.
A Royal New Zealand Air Force P-3K2 Orion on a fisheries patrol about 400 nautical miles west of Tuvalu has located a Chinese fishing vessel damaged by fire.
The Orion dropped communications equipment, fresh water and lighting to the crew of the Jin Xiang 6 because the vessel had no ability to communicate. Communication has now been established with the vessel.
It is reported there are 14 people on the vessel and the fire is under control.
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The Orion has communicated to the distressed vessel’s sister ship Jin Xiang 7 to organise a rendezvous.
The Orion has returned to Nauru, having reached its maximum flying endurance. An RNZAF Hercules C-130 aircraft is on standby to support.
Rescue Coordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) was notified about the fire and is gathering information to see what assistance can be provided to Fiji, which will be coordinating any response.
The Fiji Maritime Surveillance Rescue Coordination Centre said the vessel was within the Fiji search and rescue region.
The FMSRCC is now coordinating with nearby resources who may be able to render assistance to survivors.
#SAR (High Seas) A fishing vessel with reported 16 crew caught fire
A #RNZAF P3 Orion aircraft snapped this image and has deployed a liferaft & emergency equipment
RCC Fiji is coordinating with RCC NZ at this stage and nearest maritime rescue asset to arrive tomorrow a.m #Fiji pic.twitter.com/VmHVqUjB7y
— FMSRCC (@fmsrcc) August 16, 2019
