strong wind

Provincial police commander, chief inspector David Yapu, highlighted his concern to 17 boat operators and crews during a boat race at Mbunai village on Thursday, January 20^th.

He said many lives have been lost at sea because of the ignorance of boat operators and crews.

“Safety comes first before people travel out at sea,” said the PPC.

He appealed to all boat owners and operators to work together to avoid boating mishaps.

Strong northwest winds of 25 to 34 knots are expected to persist for the next 24 hours, causing rough seas.

All small craft and boats are advised to take necessary precautions before and after going out to sea.

This is for all coastal waters of Southern PNG/Indonesian border through Torres Strait and Daru to Kiwai Island, Kerema, Yule Island, Hood Point and to Aroma Coast.

The warning also includes Long Island, Madang, Bogia, Wewak, Aitape, Vanimo and Northern PNG/Indonesian border to Manus and its western group of islands to West New Britain, Bismarck and Coral Sea.

“Strong northwest winds of 25/34 knots are expected to continue for the next 24 hours, causing rough seas and high sea waves.

The NWS says the monsoon trough lies south of PNG with embedded tropical lows.

“Strong northwest surge of 25/34 knots, with stronger gusts reaching 48 knots are expected to continue for the next 24 to 48 hours, causing rough seas and high sea waves.

“All small craft and boats are advised to take necessary precautions before and after going out to sea.”

The Papua New Guinea National Weather Service (PNGNSW) has issued a renewal strong wind warning today for all coastal waters of Milne Bay, Morobe and West New Britain.

Strong winds will affect coastal waters of Hood Point to Samarai Island including all Milne Bay islands, to Finschaffen and waters of West New Britain.

Strong northwest winds of 25/34 knots are expected to persist for the next six to 12 hours causing rough seas and high wind waves.

All small crafts and boats are advised to take necessary precautions before going out to sea.

The PNG National Weather Service reported that January and February will see a higher number of strong wind and tropical cyclone warnings. 

PNGNWS assistant director Jimmy Gomoga said PNG could be affected by tropical cyclones, which in the South Pacific occur from November to mid-May.

Gomoga said although tropical cyclones are likely to occur around January to March this cyclone season.