Tongan Police have released names of four fishermen rescued by Tonga Navy Vessel VOEA Neiafu on Friday 13 March, 2015.
They were ‘Alipate Pinekoula, 36, of Halaleva; Kaliopasi Masalu, 33, of Pahu; ‘Isikeli Finau ,37, of Tofoa and Matavai Fonua, 54, of Vaotu’u.
The fishermen went on a fishing trip March 9 when the engine could not be started, Police statement said.
The fishing boat, ‘Ana Manusiu, was towed back to Nuku’alofa after a rescue mission was launched following a distress call received by Tongan authority through Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand.
The fishermen were rescued by a team assisted by an Orion P-3 aircraft from New Zealand at 54 Nautical miles South of Fua’amotu at around 4.45pm, Friday 13.
Police investigation continues.
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