Search begins for missing vessel crew

On Saturday evening, around 9 p.m., the JRCC Papeete received a report about a vessel known as a poti marara, which had not returned from a trip at sea in Huahine, where three people were on board. The vessel is a traditional type used in the region for fishing or transport.

Search efforts start in the night

At the request of the High Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia, the inter-administrations Dauphin helicopter began the search in the area around 12:30 a.m. The helicopter is a medium-sized aircraft often used for search and rescue missions in remote areas.

Search continues with reinforcements

After a stop at Raiatea for resupplying, the Dauphin helicopter resumed the search at dawn. The Falcon 50 aircraft from the 25F fleet also took off at dawn to reinforce the search effort. These aircraft are used for long-range reconnaissance and support in search operations.

Vessel found but crew missing

Around 1:30 a.m. last night, the Dauphin helicopter located the searched vessel to the southwest of Huahine. The ship was empty, indicating that the three people on board were no longer on the vessel. The search for the missing persons is still ongoing.

Ongoing search with additional support

The operations continue with the assistance of the maritime means of the firefighters and the gendarmerie of Huahine. These forces are working to locate the missing individuals and ensure their safety in the surrounding waters.