The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is committed to its vital role coordinating search and rescue in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
On Sunday 30 November, Papua New Guinea Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) contacted AMSA requesting search support in locating an overdue boat with 6 people onboard. The boat departed Kavieng (PNG) on Friday 28 November and had not arrived at its destination, the remote Massau Island, 150km Kilometres to the north-west of Kavieng.
AMSA deployed the Cairns-based Challenger jet to conduct a radar search of the area, locating the boat adrift on the afternoon of 1 December. The Challenger conducted a drop of vital supplies and equipment to the boat.
MRCC tasked a National Fisheries Authority vessel to conduct the rescue and bring all 6 people safely to shore.
The rescue of these 6 people exemplifies the close working relationship that AMSA has with its regional partners.
