The newly released footage, dated 11 November 2024, reveals critical scenes showing masked crew members moving Kaierua’s body approximately two hours after his documented time of death.
“The unexplained time gap and absence of initial reporting prompt serious concerns over Kaierua’s safety and the circumstances surrounding his death,” stated an HRASi spokesperson. “We urge the vessel’s flag state to open an immediate and transparent investigation into his death at sea.”
A question of responsibility
The footage also captures Kaierua alive in the hours before his death, eating alone in the mess hall and walking through the vessel.
Notably, 24 hours passed from his last recorded sighting to the time his body was moved, raising questions about the monitoring of his whereabouts.
AIS tracking data included with the footage confirms that Kaierua’s death occurred in international waters, placing responsibility on the vessel’s flag state, which has yet to launch a formal inquiry despite multiple calls from HRASi.
This development forms part of the ongoing Death at Sea campaign, which advocates for justice for Kaierua’s family and stronger protections for fisheries observers worldwide.
Learn more about the death of fisheries observer, Eritara Aati Kaierua and HRASi’s justice campaign at deathatseafilm.com
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