​Four still missing at sea

Four people are missing after the boat they were traveling in between Karkar and Manus capsized last Thursday.

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.

Drifting out at sea, seven were picked up by a boat the next day at around 1pm, and taken to Alim Island, an island south of Baluan Island, as the rescue boat was overloaded.

The boat proceeded onto Lorengau town with one of the passengers, who came back and assisted the others to Lorengau town.

They were taken to the Lorengau General Hospital where they were checked and released. Two people sustained injuries to their hand and leg.

Those on board are mainly of mixed parentage Harigan Island Manus and Karkar Island in Madang Province, whilst one is from Daru in the Western Province.

PPC Yapu is again appealing to boat operators travelling out at sea to be mindful of bad weather and rough seas at this point of time.

He has cautioned them to take extra precaution when travelling out at sea, as their safety and life is paramount.

(Caption: Three of the survivors with PPC Yapu in front of Lorengau Police station yesterday.)

Author: 
Sally Pokiton