Six people reported missing after their boat failed to reach its destination in the Lau Group have been rescued following a coordinated air and sea search involving the Fiji Navy, local agencies and the New Zealand Defence Force.
The six had departed Namuka Island for Fulaga on the morning of August 6, but failed to arrive, prompting the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre Fiji (RCCFJ) to activate a search and rescue operation.
Search efforts involved vessels already operating in the area, while two aircraft were deployed to scour the search zone — a Northern Air Embraer EMB-110 operating as a Fiji Navy search and rescue flight and a Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft.
Together, the operation covered approximately 4,377 square nautical miles.
The Northern Air aircraft conducted a detailed search of Yagasa and nearby islands before extending its sweep across the southern section of the search area.
Meanwhile, the Royal New Zealand Air Force P-8 Poseidon completed an extensive radar search before switching to visual surveillance, successfully locating the distressed vessel at 5.30pm, just before last light.
The missing boat was found 14.6 nautical miles southwest of Vanuavatu, within the designated search area.
Following the sighting, RFNS Savenaca, which was operating nearby, was immediately diverted to the location and carried out the rescue in difficult weather conditions shortly after 8pm.
All six survivors were safely brought to Suva, where they will undergo medical assessments before being reunited with their families.
The Fiji Navy thanked all organisations and individuals who contributed to the successful operation.
