A peaceful evening on 23 May 2022 1700LT over the Pacifc Ocean, one of our vessel “AT Glory” received from New Zealand Air Force a Search and Rescue (“SAR”) request that a 17ft fishing boat, with 4 fishermen onboard, has lost power and drifting away from land is in need of assistance.

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Upon verifying its location and situation, Master reported in to DPA and begin its journey to the distressed fishing boat location with an estimated arrival time to be 2200LT.  Taking precautionary measures while conducting the SAR in complete darkness, AT Glory slowed its speed as it approaches the last reported location and stationed crew on bridge port and starboard wings for visual search coupled with ramping its radar gain while reducing clutter for better radar effect. 

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After much searching, AT Glory finally spotted the fishing boat “TEKAUTU” at 2230LT from its port bow, with the nearest port at Tarawa 158NM away. AT Glory immediately communicate with TEKAUTU and confirmed the safety of the fishermen.  Due to COVID19 situation, New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre (“RCC”) advised Master not to allow the 4 fishermen to board AT Glory but to stay with TEKAUTU until its rescue vessel “M/V TEBAUTAURAOI” arrive on scene. 

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Following morning 0600LT, M/V TEBAUTAURAOI arrived and took over the SAR for fishing boat from AT Glory. Having a successful and smooth hand-over, At Glory left the scene and get back to its voyage.