3 FOUND DEAD, 25 STILL MISSING AFTER BOATING TRAGEDY IN ENB
BY WASITA ROYAL
A THIRD body was found washed ashore on the Island of Djaul in New Island Province has been identified as one of the 27 passengers that were missing at sea when attempting to cross over from Pidgeon Island in the Duke of York Island to Kokopo on Saturday 18th of July.
This brings the total bodies found to 3, the first and second bodies were also found in New Ireland yesterday.
According to ENB Provincial Administrator and Chairman of the Disaster Committee, Mr. Levi Mano, three (3) bodies have been found with the first victim identified as Mrs. Melat Bungtabu Victor of Malakuna village in Kokopo district.
Her body was recovered from Djaul Island in New Ireland Province and flown to Nonga Hospital morgue yesterday evening.
A second body was also airlifted to Rabaul Provincial Hospital morgue yesterday, also recovered from Djaul Island while the third deceased, a child will be airlifted today to Nonga Provincial Morgue.
Mano confirmed that the deceased are currently at Nonga Hospital morgue awaiting further investigations. He also appealed to the public, especially those along coastal areas from East New Britain to Namatanai district in New Ireland, to remain on alert and report any debris or sightings to relevant authorities.
Out of the 27 people on board; 14 were adults, 11 were children and only two skippers have been found alive.
Mr. Mano confirmed that aerial search and rescue operations will be, following potential routes mapped using ocean currents. He appealed to coastal communities from East New Britain to Namatanai district in New Ireland to remain on high alert.
“I request the people to be on alert in their communities, as we still need to retrieve 25 more of the missing passengers that were on board the two boats involved in the mishap,” he urged.
Residents along the coast have been asked to report any debris or sightings to the Provincial Disaster Office immediately.
The Provincial Government has also reiterated its appeal to the public to avoid spreading speculation on social media and to rely only on official updates.
As the recovery operation continues, the East New Britain Provincial Administration has acknowledged the efforts of all agencies, community leaders, search teams, and volunteers, and the people of Djaul Island for their support in the face of tragedy.
