Fisherman

The survivors, Maku Dai, Frank Doura, Gabi Lohia and Lohia Nou were seen drifting on the waters of Amazon Bay about 251 kilometers away from Port Moresby by road, however, longer by sea when villagers from Domara village in Amazon Bay saw the men. 

The four men had lost their anchor by the storm so used their outboard motor as the anchor. 

The men, who were suspected of illegal fishing, were caught in the blaze after the coastguard officers threw a "flashbang" or stun grenade into part of their boat where they were hiding.

It is believed they died of smoke inhalation, an official said, and an autopsy has been ordered.

Fourteen other fishermen survived and are being questioned by authorities.

The incident began when a coastguard vessel identified the fishing boat in South Korean waters, and ordered it to stop for inspection.

In a media conference hosted by Central Governor, Kila Haoda, Provincial and Local Level Government leaders warned individuals engaged in the activity that villagers are contemplating taking the law into their own hands.

“They have now told me that they will take the law into their own hands,” says Aihi Ikupu, President of the Kairuku LLG.

“I have letters from Nabua’paka, Yule Island, Delena, and Pou’kama that there are explosions nearly every night.”