The search for three missing people in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville (ABG) continues into the third week, as of Sunday, (August 2).
The three men were reported missing the same date 27 others capsized in East New Britain in what has been described as a result of negligence.
In Buka, the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) stated that the search coordination for the missing Nissan–Buka vessel has been significantly expanded through strengthened national and international partnerships.
The three missing men have been identified as Mitchell Tokiapron, skipper of the boat; Darrell, crew member and passenger; and Horen Kapiatu.
The search operation is led by the ABG’s Directorate of Disaster and Emergency under the Department of Community Government (DCG).
The efforts remain focused on locating the three men who departed Nissan Island, north of Buka Island, for Buka town on Saturday, 18 July 2026.
Over the last week, the Directorate has intensified operational coordination, broadened the search network, and ensured that all credible information is rapidly verified through established provincial, national, and regional channels.
Through coordination with the PNG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC), the United States Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Honolulu and the Honiara MRCC have been notified.
The regional broadcast alert issued by PNG MRCC and JRCC remains active, requesting all mariners to maintain vigilance and report any potential sightings immediately.
Despite these strengthened partnerships, search operations continue to be constrained by persistent strong wind warnings across Bougainville, New Ireland, and New Britain. These conditions pose significant risks to small craft and limit sea-based search activities.
To enhance coverage across the Bougainville Region and neighboring maritime areas, the Directorate has worked closely with the New Ireland Provincial Disaster Office and TANIR Local Level Government to utilize local communication networks to monitor coastal waters.
A formal request was also stated to have been submitted to the PNG National Disaster Centre for additional maritime assets to support ongoing search and rescue operations.
The Directorate has expanded the search beyond Papua New Guinea’s immediate waters. In partnership with the New Ireland Provincial Government, information regarding possible sightings around Mussau Island was assessed.
The Directorate also followed up on reports from Manus Province, which, after verification with the Manus Provincial Disaster Office, were confirmed as untrue.
The ABG says it acknowledges the swift cooperation of Manus authorities and states that all reported sightings will continue to be thoroughly investigated before official updates are issued.
Other boat accidents were reported since 18 July 2026, including two boat accidents in Morobe, one in Milne Bay, and another in New Ireland.
For the three missing between Nissan and Buka, the ABG says alerts have also been disseminated through the Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing Platform.
This will enable neighboring countries and maritime operators to support expanded search coverage across wider ocean areas.
The Directorate again appeals to commercial vessels, fishing operators, and coastal communities throughout Bougainville, New Ireland, the Atolls, and neighboring maritime areas to remain alert and report any credible information through the appropriate authorities.
The previously issued description of the vessel and the three persons on board remains current.
The ABG says it acknowledges the continued support of the National Disaster Centre, PNG MRCC, Provincial Disaster Centres in New Ireland, East New Britain, and Manus, and all partner agencies contributing to the search effort.
The ABG stated that it extends its thoughts and prayers to the families of those on board and urges the public to refrain from circulating unverified information on social media. Official updates will continue to be issued as new information is confirmed.
