Seven people missing in two boats near Kiribati have been found by an Air Force Orion.
Two boats missing from Kiribati were found yesterday by crew on a RNZAF Orion. Photo: Supplied / NZDF
The boats, missing since last week, were found within 10 nautical miles of each other.
One boat, on a trip to Butaritari Island, had four people on board including two men, a woman and an 11-year-old child.
The vessel left Makin island on Friday and was reported overdue on Sunday.
A member of crew prepares to drop a survival pack to those on board. Photo: Supplied / NZDF
The United States Coast Guard had been preparing a search for the second vessel, the Woodhaven III, which has three people aboard.
The boat was found approximately 150 nautical miles from where it was thought to have gone missing.
The Defence Force dropped survival packs with water and locator beacons to both boats and vessels nearby have been contacted to rescue the survivors.
Two boats missing from Kiribati were found yesterday by crew on a RNZAF Orion. Photo: Supplied / NZDF
It said those on board both boats appeared to be in good health.
Air Component Commander Air Commodore Shaun Sexton said the rescue was a great result.