SEARCH CONTINUES FOR MISSING ENB HEALTH AUTHORITY WORKERS AND FAMILIES

CAPTION: Missing boat found floating in New Britain waters. Borrowed Picture

BY RICKY ISRAEL

SEARCH and rescue operations are continuing into second day in East New Britain after five senior East New Britain Provincial Health Authority staff and their families went missing at sea on Saturday while travelling between Pigeon Island and Kokopo.

East New Britain Provincial Disaster Director Donald Tokunai says boat searches have been temporarily suspended today because of rough seas and strong winds, but aerial searches by Manolos Aviation are continuing.

He says debris believed to be from the missing boat has been found near New Ireland, but no deaths have been confirmed.

It is reported that 17 children and 9 adults remain missing at sea.

Two men believed to be the boat’s skippers are now in police custody after swimming ashore.

Search teams are now focusing on waters between East New Britain and New Ireland, where strong winds and sea currents may have carried the boat or survivors.

Stay tuned as we will bring you updates on this developing story.