Orion searches for Tokelau teens

A Royal NZ Airforce Orion. Photo / Supplied

A New Zealand airforce Orion has been diverted to help in the search for three Tokelauan teens missing in a small runabout since early today.

The Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) said it was helping Tokelauan authorities in the search for the two 15 year olds and one 14-year-old who went missing from the village of Atafu about 1am today (local time).

Search and Rescue officer Kevin Banaghan said the teens were last seen some hours earlier searching for fuel for their small aluminium boat, which had an 18 horsepower outboard motor.

RCCNZ was providing assistance with search area mapping and coordination, and had diverted a Royal New Zealand Air Force P3K Orion that was already in the area to help.

The aircraft, due to arrive about 5pm, would help search a large area surrounding the route it was believed the boys had taken.

Help had also been sought from the Samoan Navy.

The search would continue throughout the day.

- NZPA