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Two missing Kiribati fishermen rescued in Marshall Islands
The two I-Kiribati fishermen are seen by the Queen Elizabeth 959. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
PALIKIR, Pohnpei—A domestic fishing vessel of the Federated States of Micronesia belonging to CityPro Management Ltd., the Queen Elizabeth 959, rescued two Kiribati fishermen last Oct. 6 while in the exclusive economic zone of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Photographic evidence that the fishing boat was successfully brought onboard the Queen Elizabeth 959. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
The two fishermen, Ateota Teraka and Tairaiti Arakanria, 43 and 30 years old respectively, had spent seven days drifting at sea due to an engine problem on their boat, the Kuc Natareta. The two fishermen are in good health and condition, and their boat was successfully taken aboard the Queen Elizabeth 959.
“In my capacity as FSM president, I would like to express both the nation’s gratitude, as well as my own, to the crew of the Queen Elizabeth 959 for rescuing our fellow Micronesian brothers from the Republic of Kiribati, who were found stranded in the EEZ of the Marshall Islands,” said FSM President David W. Panuelo. “When I speak to [Kiribati President Taneti Maamau] again next week or the following on matters relevant to the Micronesian Presidents Summit, I will make it a point to emphasize that we categorically guarantee the safe return of the fishermen.”
Ateota Teraka and Tairaiti Arakanria, both from Tarawa, are safely onboard the Queen Elizabeth 959. (CONTRIBUTED PHOTO)
It is the intention of the Queen Elizabeth 959 to send the two fishermen back to Tarawa, the capital island of the Republic of Kiribati, after it completes its current fishing trip. The vessel is presently heading to the Republic of Nauru, followed by Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands. (PR)
