RNZAF plane finds two missing Pacific boats within five hours

RFNS Savenaca was able to rescue the five people on board after the RNZAF plane relayed the vessel's location.

An RNZAF plane successfully located eight people on two missing boats in the Pacific within five hours this week.

The P-8A Poseidon was flying to Fiji to refuel while en route to a Kiribati search and rescue earlier this week when Maritime NZ's Rescue Coordination Centre asked them to conduct an additional search.

Diverting to search for a small craft in Fijian waters, the aircraft crew discovered the vessel around 420km southeast of the main island Viti Levu.

The aircraft passed the boat's location to the Fijian Navy. RFNS Savenaca was able to rescue the five people on board.

A missing Kiribati fishing vessel was found around 2200km west of the island of Kiritimati.

Acting air component Commander Group Captain Brett Clayton said the quick response to the diversion request and successful rescue was a credit to all parties involved.

"Thanks to the professionalism and readiness of the personnel involved in the air, on the sea and on land, the sailors on this vessel will make it home to their families."

The P-8A Poseidon and crew resumed the search for the missing small Kiribati boat with three on board.

The aircraft flew more than 2000km north, locating the vessel around 2200km west of the island of Kiritimati.

The fishers had got into trouble with an engine issue on Wednesday.