MIMRA Confirms Observer Missing at Sea Aboard KOO'S 103
Majuro, Republic of the Marshall Islands, 11 November 2026
The Marshall Islands Marine Resources Authority (MIMRA) is confirming with deep sadness that a fisheries observer was reported missing at sea aboard the RMI-flagged purse seine vessel KOO'S 103. A search lasting approximately 72 hours did not find the observer, who remains missing.
What happened?
The incident was recorded at approximately 9:30 PM on 5 November 2026, while the vessel was transiting within the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) exclusive economic zone. When the observer was found to be missing, the vessel alerted nearby vessels and search and rescue support and carried out search operations for approximately 72 hours. The search was unsuccessful.
Our response
KOO'S 103 is now returning to Majuro so that further investigations can be carried out into the circumstances of the incident. MIMRA is coordinating every element of the response with the observer's provider, the Kiribati Ministry of Fisheries and Ocean Resources (MFOR).
Based on the information and video evidence available to date, there is no indication of foul play. Further investigations will nevertheless be carried out when the vessel arrives in port to establish exactly what happened. MIMRA has formally notified the WCPFC Secretariat, and will report any significant developments as they emerge.
MIMRA is being guided in its response by the WCPFC Conservation and Management Measure for the protection of Regional Observer Programme observers (CMM 2017-03) and the FFA Harmonised Minimum Terms and Conditions for access by fishing vessels (HMTCs).
Our first thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the missing observer. Observers spend long periods far from home, doing demanding and often unseen work on behalf of the whole region, and we owe them our deepest respect and care. We will continue to work with the relevant authorities and vessel officers to understand what happened.
Standing with the observer's family
Fisheries observers are the eyes and ears of sustainable fisheries management in the Pacific. Each one leaves family and community behind to serve at sea. MIMRA's thoughts are with the relatives of the missing observer at this very difficult time, and with the observer's colleagues at MFOR and throughout the regional observer community.
MIMRA will provide further updates as more information becomes available.
The observer's details are withheld pending confirmation that the family has been informed and has agreed to their release.