A Pacific patrol by a New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) P-8A Poseidon aircraft, that was aimed at providing maritime domain awareness of threats posed by illegal fishing, responded to an emergency yesterday, successfully completing a search and rescue operation for a missing fisherman.

The aircraft was deployed to the Cook Islands when the NZDF was requested by Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre NZ (RCCNZ) to conduct a search for a man in an aluminium dinghy who was reported overdue from a fishing trip after departing Atafu atoll, Tokelau on 17 December.

RCCNZ provided a detailed search area with the dinghy expected to be drifting south from Atafu.

The crew located the man on board the dinghy and remained overhead until the vessel Fetu o te Moana was able to reach the survivor.

Chief of Defence Force Air Marshal Tony Davies was on board the aircraft when the crew conducted the search and rescue mission.

He was on the P-8A to observe maritime domain awareness patrols in the region, and visit the Cook Islands. He said he has been impressed by the detection capabilities of the aircraft, and the information able to be provided about vessels operating in the area.

“It was great to watch our highly experienced crew demonstrate the capabilities used during patrols to counter illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the region and for this successful search and rescue of the fisherman,” he said.

“The NZDF plays a key part in maritime domain awareness throughout the Realm of New Zealand, and the wider Pacific. It is exactly what these capable aircraft are built to do and we are proud to do our part in assisting our Pacific neighbours.”

Air Marshal Davies used his time in the Cook Islands to also conduct a range of engagements, including meetings with various Government officials.

He also laid a wreath at the Nikao Cemetery in Rarotonga where many military personnel are buried.

“Our Defence relationship with the Cook Islands is strong and it’s an important one for the NZDF. Our regular patrols in this region ensure we uphold New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to the security and defence of the Realm countries.”

Air Marshal Davies’ visit comes on the back of Exercise Tropic Twilight, a highly successful annual humanitarian assistance and disaster relief series of activities, which this year was held on the small island of Mau’ke in the Cook Islands in September and October.

The exercise involved personnel from New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu repairing and enhancing vital infrastructure such as the water bores and the solar farm, as well as carrying out improvement works at the local school.

“It’s been really pleasing to hear how much the communities of Mau’ke valued our contribution,” Air Marshal Davies said.

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