The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) supported Port Moresby's rescue centre in the rescue of three fishermen near Buka Island in Papua New Guinea on Friday, July 9.
Working with PNG's Maritime Rescue Coordinating Centre (MRCC), AMSA's Response Centre developed a search area and tasked the Cairns Challenger rescue aircraft to search for the overdue fishing boat in the Pacific Ocean.
The boat - missing for three days - was located in Bougainville waters, and emergency provisions and safety equipment were dropped by air.
The small fishing vessel was later guided to safety by a local rescue crew.
PNG's Government has sincerely thanked AMSA and the Australian Government for helping to save the lives of the three fisherman and acknowledged the generous search and rescue support.
AMSA Response Centre Manager Kevin McEvoy said: "This is an excellent example of Australia and PNG working together on a joint rescue operation to save lives.
"AMSA is committed to provide ongoing cooperation in support of PNG's rescue centre."