The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) have confirmed reports that a PNG Observer aboard a Chinese Vessel has gone missing.
Loop PNG has confirmed that the NFA received a report last week on the disappearance of, James Junior Numbaru, a ‘Fisheries Observer’ with NFA.
At the time he was aboard the Chinese-flagged purse seiner vessel Feng Xiang No. 818.
According to the Pacific Guardian the vessel was drifting in Nauru waters when Numbaru was reported missing around 2am on Wednesday. The coordinates where the incident occurred: 00°22′S,167°53′E.
Initial investigations by Nauru police which included video reviews indicate there was no foul play involved and the vessel was cleared to leave the country.
The report states that the vessel I understood to be heading to PNG.
NFA Deputy Observer Manager, Adrian Nanguromo tells Loop PNG that they are currently liaising with the family of Numbaru.
He said while they cannot release any more details at this stage, an investigation will be carried out by NFA into the incident.
Fishing Observers to this day experience intimidation, threats harassment, in some cases assault on board vessels fishing in the region.
In the most extreme cases observers have gone missing or killed
In PNG observers who lost their lives while in service include Charlie Lasisi, Wesley Talia, Larry Gavin.