SIX RESCUED AFTER BOAT CAPSIZED NEAR SALAMAUA

By Martha LOUISE, Lae

Six passengers were rescued today after their boat capsized in rough seas near Sugalop, close to Salamaua Station, while enroute from Lae to Morobe Patrol Post.

The boat overturned around midday as large waves hit, leaving the passengers adrift for over two hours. Fortunately, a passing vessel spotted them and brought them safely back to Salamaua.

Among the passengers was Obert Terry, 34, who held onto a fuel drum for flotation, as only five of the passengers had life jackets. Terry ingested seawater mixed with fuel during the ordeal, prompting water police to escort him to Lae, where he received initial treatment from St John Ambulance before being transferred to Angau Memorial Hospital.

Coastal travelers are urged to exercise caution, as the National Weather Office has issued warnings of high tides and rough seas, with ongoing weather disruptions impacting Morobe Province’s coastal communities.