'Longest night of our lives': Panama victim's friends reveal horror distress call

The friends of the Kiwi family attacked in Panama who received the first distress call say it was the longest night of their lives.

Sixty-year-old Alan Culverwell was killed by suspected pirates who boarded his family yacht in Panama on Thursday.

Close friends in New Zealand took the initial call for help and got the rescue underway.

In a statement they say: "We were solely focussed on getting them help from then on. We would like to thank all of those who were involved in what was the longest night of our lives."

The Culverwells had been on a trip of a lifetime, sailing from Florida back to New Zealand, when suspected robbers boarded their boat in the early hours of the morning off Panama's San Blas Islands.

Culverwell, a pāua diver from Picton, was killed when he confronted them. His wife and 11-year-old daughter were also injured.

Three people have appeared in court over Culverwell's death. One of the accused is a minor, and has been charged in a separate hearing. Two others appeared in court around 8am on Monday (NZ time).

Culverwell's wife Derryn attended court nursing an injured shoulder to see those allegedly responsible for the horror attack.

Family and friends have travelled to Panama this weekend to provide support to her and her child.

Their community back home is also offering love and support.

"This loss is quite huge for Picton and for our community; they've been a special family here and we've all followed their adventures," says Nadine Taylor.

"And when they get home we'll rally around and do whatever is needed for them."

More than $20,000  has been raised over the past two days to help cover costs.

Newshub.