A family of four that spent nearly a week adrift at sea in an aluminium dinghy has been rescued in a joint New Zealand and American effort.
A family of four that spent almost a week adrift at sea in an aluminium dinghy has been rescued in a joint effort by New Zealand and American forces.
The family was travelling from Ukiangang to Tikurere Islands in Kiribati when their boat developed engine problems.
The Royal New Zealand Air Force and the US Coast Guard were called in when local efforts failed to find them.
A Coast Guard cutter that arrived at the scene early on Saturday morning was later joined by the Air Force Orion, which finally spotted the boat off Kiribati on Saturday afternoon.
An RNZAF spokesperson says the family members are all well, apart from dehydration.
