GOVERNOR MARUM EXPRESSED HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO NEW IRELAND GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE FOR SUPPORT DURING TRAGEDY
East New Britain Governor Michael Marum, while in Kavieng, New Ireland Province, to receive six bodies from the Kavieng Hospital morgue, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Byron Chan, Kavieng MP Ian Ling-Stuckey, Namatanai MP Walter Schaubelt, and the people of New Ireland for their tireless support in recovery efforts.
Over the past seven days since the tragedy on July 18, 2026, between Duke of York Island and Kokopo, from the total of 27 passengers missing in the sea ordeal, a total of 13 bodies have been recovered after being washed ashore in New Ireland waters.
In a small traditional ceremony and official handover of the deceased bodies from the NIP Provincial government yesterday in Kavieng, Governor Marum said the cooperation between the two provinces reflects the true spirit of unity and compassion during this difficult time for grieving families.
A total of K70,000 was given to Governor Marum by the New Ireland Governor Byron Chan of which K20,000 from New Ireland Provincial Government – K20,000.00, Kavieng District- K20,000.00 and Namatanai District- K30,000.00 including tradition shell money.
Meanwhile, Governor Marum, confirmed the all bodies retrieved from the recent tragedy are now at the Nonga Hospital morgue, while forensic investigations continue.
