Police Commissioner Stephen Caldwell has called on fishermen to exercise common sense when going out fishing.
“We must all respect the Sea and its many moods. Exercising common sense and doing basic stuff like checking the weather forecast, carrying beacons, flares, auxiliary engine, and having the means to talk to the shore are basic safety practices,” Caldwell said in a statement.
“Feeding your family by catching fish is important but more important is coming back from the sea to feed them again.”
Caldwell made the comments as authorities rescued six fishermen who were missing at sea for three days.
The men left Nuku’alofa to fish an area near Fonoi, Ha’apai while a warning for gale force winds was issued last week.
Police coordinated a search and rescue operation on Wednesday morning after the men failed to return as scheduled on Tuesday.
The HMAF V.O.E.A Pangai joined in the Search for the missing fishermen when they picked up the announcement of the missing fishermen on the radio while they were out at sea training.
Police requested assistance from the RCCNZ (Rescue Co-Ordination Centre New Zealand) and with their help requested the assistance of the US Coast Guard C130.
The USCG C130 aircrew were in Auckland attending the 7th Pacific Regional
Search and Rescue Workshop.
The USCG C130 on its way back to Honolulu conducted an aerial search of the predicted search area and located the missing fishing boat the Lilite 1 at 7:35pm Thursday 25 May.
The HMAF V.O.E.A Pangai was deployed with three Police Officers from the Search and Rescue Unit at 10:30pm to pick up and rescued the fishermen. They located the fishermen at 6:30am on Friday 26 May and they returned with them to Nuku’alofa at 11:00am.
Commissioner Caldwell acknowledged the RCCNZ and US Coast Guard for their assistance in making sure that the six fishermen were returned home safely to their family. “Their quick and professional response was greatly received, and I pass on my heartfelt thanks, as well as the families.”
“We especially thank HMAF Navy for their valuable assistance and strong support. We also appreciate the great work of the MET Office, Coastal Radio, local fishermen who assisted in the initial sea search as well as the local Domestic Airline,” he said.
Photo file: Fishermen in Tonga