The Island Sun newspaper reports that the Auki provincial police have found a 30hp outboard motor engine vessel outside Ataa with four children and an adult male from Ndai.
The boat was found drifting after it encountered mechanical problem while on its way to Malu’u.
Auki Police Operation Manager Michael Ramosaea says the boat was found and everyone onboard was fine
He said after the skipper (adult man) made several attempts to fix the problem and nothing worked, the boat was drifting only with the hope to be seen and rescued.
He says luckily, they received coverage signals from one of the towers within Lau area and they alerted relatives in Honiara of the situation.
Mr Ramosaea says from Honiara, a report was conveyed to them and they immediately deployed a search mission on the afternoon of the day to look out for the boat.
He said the search started at Malu’u area and into Lau lagoon as far as Ataa where the boat was found at night.
Mr.Ramosaea reminds the public to check their boats well before travelling out to avoid incidents such as occurred.
Source. Island Sun newspaper.
Comment
Thankfully all the missing boat passengers were found safe and thanks are given to those who swiftly mounted a rescue mission.
The incident is yet a further reminder to all boat owners and operators to ensure boats carry signals equipment, engines are in working order, water and spare fuel is carried on board and all passengers and boat crew wear life jackets.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
