A search operation remains underway for one man still missing at sea after two Tongans were rescued following more than ten days adrift about 200 kilometres off the coast of Tonga.
As Kaniva News reported earlier, the pair were located yesterday morning by a Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) P‑8A Poseidon and brought safely on board the Royal New Zealand Navy vessel HMNZS Canterbury last night.
Tonga Police have not yet issued a public statement on the rescue or the ongoing search.
Deputy Commissioner ‘Atunaisa Taumoepeau confirmed to local media that one man from the vessel Mysterious Wonder remains missing, and that his identity is being withheld.
Taumoepeau described the missing man’s details as “critical information”, saying they would not be released while the search continues.
The RNZAF aircraft had originally been en route to conduct maritime surveillance related to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing in the South West Pacific when it was diverted for the emergency search.
The request came from Maritime New Zealand’s Rescue Coordination Centre after the vessel was reported overdue.
The 11.5‑metre wooden boat had departed Tongatapu on 8 February. Authorities were formally notified on Tuesday that the vessel and its crew had not returned as expected.
The search is being carried out as a large-scale joint operation involving the New Zealand Defence Force, Tonga Police Maritime, the Tonga Navy, Tonga Meteorology Services, and several private agencies that have offered vessels and support.
Inspector Kisina of Tonga Police Maritime is leading and coordinating the mission on the Tongan side, with multiple agencies working together under challenging conditions.
Taumoepeau said all agencies remain on standby and will continue the search until Tonga Police Maritime issues formal direction.
“We are all waiting upon the Maritime before the operation is suspended,” Taumoepeau reportedly said.
