It was the triggering of the distress beacon that saved these three fishermen on Thursday evening. While they were between Maupiti and Mopelia, and therefore out of range of VHF radio and telephone communications, their vessel struck a tree trunk, damaging its engine. Adrift, they were located by the Dauphin helicopter early in the night and were hoisted to safety.
While they were between Maupiti and Mopelia, returning from a fishing trip, the trio’s poti marara struck a tree trunk that damaged the engine mounting, Thursday evening. Adrift in rough seas, they activated their distress beacon, which allowed rescuers to be alerted. In the early part of the night, around 9 p.m., the Dauphin helicopter spotted them and hoisted them aboard. The three mariners were brought ashore at Bora Bora’s stadium, previously secured by the gendarmerie and the municipal police, safe and sound. The vessel, left adrift, was eventually recovered Friday morning.
