Council of Elders (COE) chairman for Halia on Buka Island, Romeo Tohiana, was very emotional and thankful that the two passengers from his COE made it alive.
Felicitas Kurangik and her baby survived the boat capsizing on Saturday and were picked up by a helicopter from the Carteret islands and taken to the floating hospital and then back to Buka.
“I am lost for words and I don’t know how to say thanks to the authorities, namely Franklyn Lacey the disaster coordinator and the newly elected member for Atolls Raymond Masono, for working around the clock for the safe return of the survivors back to Buka,’’ Mr Tohiana said.
“As a responsible leader two of my Halia people were on board that boat and I am so grateful by the grace and power of the Almighty Father they are here alive and well. I just couldn’t believe a one year old baby could make it alive, it’s a miracle.
“I am making a very strong appeal now to everyone going out at sea to take extra precautions and please listen to the weather report, and also notify the disaster office,’’ he said.
“I would also like to warmly welcome home the survivors and also pass on my condolences to the relatives of those two who did not make it,’’ he said.
Photo: Survivor Felicitas Kurangik and her baby being attended to by medical staff on board US Mercy.