Boat operators travelling between the waters of Kokopo and Namatani, and even over to Pomio, have been urged to strongly take heed of weather forecast and strong wind warnings issued daily by the weather office.
Provincial police commander for East New Britain, Joseph Tabali, issued the caution after his men rescued a missing boat between the waters of Namatanai and Duke of York on Sunday, 30th December, 2018.
All five crew members, including the operator, were rescued with no casualties.
The boat and operator from Namatanai went missing on Saturday where unfortunately, they lost all belongings at sea.
The island of New Britain experienced rough seas and rain since Friday, the 27th.
PPC Tabali stresses that boat operators should not travel when the weather does not permit.
Waters of New Ireland, East and West New Britain, and Autonomous Region of Bougainville have had strong wind warnings of North-west winds to North-easterly winds at 20 to 30 knots at sea, causing very rough seas.