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A New Zealand air force Orion last night located a fishing boat off the coast of Tonga after an emergency beacon on the boat was activated.
The Tongan boat, with four people on board, was about 70km northeast of Tonga when the beacon was activated yesterday evening.
Maritime NZ spokesman Ross Henderson said this morning the Orion had found the boat and was liaising with another fishing boat in the area to organise possible assistance.
Mr Henderson said it was too early to tell what problems the boat had encountered.
"We are waiting to hear back from the Orion at the moment to find out where things are at," he said.
The beacon was registered to the boat's owner and meant Maritime NZ was able to get details about the boat, crew and what equipment was on board.
Mr Henderson said there appeared to be some difficulties establishing radio contact with the boat.
The area in question is within New Zealand's search and rescue region.
- NZPA
