SEA SEARCH HALTED DUE TO DANGEROUS WEATHER CONDITIONS

EAST New Britain Provincial Administrator Levi Mano in providing recent update on the search operation for the missing boats and passengers, advised that dangerous sea conditions and strong winds have halted the search team from continuing the operation.

Mr Mano confirmed that sea search has been temporarily called off yesterday due to safety concerns for rescuers, and operations are now concentrating on aerial searched.

Mr. Mano also confirmed that the search team located an overturned boat located near the west coast of New Ireland.

It is confirmed that the boats carrying 17 children and 9 adults went missing in the waters of East New Britain when attempting to return to Kokopo from Pidgin Island, in the Duke of York LLG on the afternoon of Saturday 18th of July, 2026

Authorities are appealing for calm and for the community to remain strong during this difficult time.

Provincial Administrator Mano when addressing the relatives and the general public at Omorong Beachfront, stressed the need for community support and obedience to safety warnings.

He urged families to remain vigilant, especially with the onset of El Niño, and to look out for one another.

The search continues, with authorities focused on gathering information to determine the whereabouts of the missing persons.