Family of rescued Cook Is. fisher feel 'overwhelming joy'

The family of Pone Apiuta, a fisherman from the Cook Islands, is experiencing overwhelming relief and gratitude after he was found alive by the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) following a week lost at sea. Apiuta, 42, from Pukapuka Island, disappeared on June 11 while fishing.

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He was very tired and exhausted, but he was assuring them on a positive note that he's alive.

A RNZAF P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol plane located Apiuta on Thursday morning. He was subsequently rescued by a Taiwanese fishing vessel near Samoa. His uncle, Kirianu Nio, reported that Apiuta spoke to his partner and son, assuring them he was alive despite being tired and exhausted.

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There is quite an overwhelming joy around the island and the family.

For nearly a week, the Pukapuka Island community lived with a mix of hope and fear. Local search efforts, including a ferry with about 20 men and an aerial search by a local airline, were hampered by difficult weather conditions. New Zealand's search assets were also deployed.

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We are so grateful.

While the family is deeply appreciative of the rescue efforts, Nio voiced criticism regarding the perceived slowness of the initial local emergency response. Confusion also arose over how information was communicated, with relatives reportedly learning of the sighting via a Facebook post before official confirmation. Despite these concerns, the overwhelming emotion on the island is now joy, with preparations being discussed for Apiuta's return.

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There was a little bit of confusion there.