RNZAF in Fiji on search and rescue mission after alleged 'horrific' incident on fishing vessel

The NZ Defence Force is helping in a search and rescue effort in Fiji. Photo / Republic of Fiji Navy

The Royal New Zealand Air Force has helped in a search and rescue mission in Fiji after an alleged "horrific" incident on a fishing vessel led to a number of crewmen jumping overboard.

The Royal NZ Air Force sent an aircrew to the island nation yesterday after a call for help to find up to six people who were missing in Fijian waters.

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"The search was mounted following a request from the Rescue Co-ordination Centre NZ after reports of an alleged violent incident on board," a NZ Defence Force spokesman told the Herald.

A P-3K2 Orion found the vessel - FV TIRO II - about 90 nautical miles west of Fiji and made radio contact with two people who were still on board.

"The boat crew reported that on Monday night, six crew members abandoned the vessel.

"One person was aboard a life-raft ... the other five entering the water without lifejackets."

The circumstances of the incident have not been confirmed by authorities.

However, Fijian media outlets are reporting that an alleged "horrific" incident on board had prompted some of the crew to jump overboard.

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

The RNZAF crew carried out a search in the area and found an upturned life-raft with one person on it, the spokesman said.

A local patrol boat was able to drop a survival pack including food, a radio and a beacon to the person on the life-raft.

"The Orion remained in the vicinity of the life-raft as long as its fuel situation would allow, to assist [the patrol boat] before returning to Whenuapai."

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The survivor was eventually taken to shore. The remaining five crew members remain missing.

Commander Timoci Natuva, head of the Fijian Navy, told the Fiji Sun their focus now was on saving lives.

"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."

The fishing vessel is said to be a Fiji-flagged offshore longliner that has Fijian and foreign crew members.