Boat

Child still missing after boating mishap

The overloaded boat, which included four other children and 25 adults, was on its way to a funeral when it encountered strong winds and rough sea.

Police in Manus say the 23 foot-60 horse powered engine left Lorengau with other boats on Thursday when they encountered strong winds and rain.

The overloaded boat with 30 passengers was nearing Pityluh Island, which is about 10 minutes out of Lorengau, when they capsized.

Most of the passengers managed to hold onto the side of the boat and drifted for half-an-hour before they were rescued by another boat from Pityluh.

Boat operators cautioned

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.

Boat operators warned

He said operators of banana boats should take precaution and refrain from traveling in the open seas during times of strong winds.  

“My transport message is clear, let’s enjoy the festive season,” Mumu said.

Despite similar appeals being issued year in, year out, reports of missing boats continue in the maritime provinces.

The role of search and rescue under the transport sector falls under the National Maritime Safety Authority.

CEO of the National Maritime Safety Authority, Paul Unas, said one of its function is to coordinate maritime search and rescue.

​Four still missing at sea

Among those unaccounted for is a woman.

Manus acting PPC, senior inspector David Yapu, has advised relevant authorities of the incident as well as boat operators travelling between Madang and Manus to keep an eye out for them.

He said 11 people were on board the boat that left Karkar at 9am last Thursday. The 23-footer boat with two 40 horse powered engines encountered strong wind and rough seas, which resulted in its overturn at around 2pm.