Autopsies for the 13 bodies from the East New Britain boat mishap recovered in New Ireland Province have been completed.
At this stage police say all 13 victims died from drowning and there was no faul play involved.
East New Britain Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent, Amanda Kates said families of the 27 victims have been told by the specialist Forensic Pathologist at Kokopo Fire Station that the autopsies were completed.
“He informed the families that he has completed all 13 autopsies at the Nonga Morgue, and that he is currently preparing preliminary reports (that) will be finished promptly,” said PPC Kates.
She added that the preliminary reports will be presented to Investigating Officers who will then give the report to the Coroner on Monday (August 3).
From the 27 who had capsized from their return boat trip from Pigeon Island, only 13 bodies were recovered while 14 others remain missing between the Solomon and Bismarck Seas.
PPC Kates has extended her deepest condolences and sympathies to the families of those who perished in the boat tragedy of 18 July, and expressed her heartfelt appreciation for all who participated in the search for the 27 victims.
“This terrible human catastrophe has touched so many lives, and now with the period of time that has passed we must move forward with next steps with the families,” Superintendent Kates said.
She further provided an update on the next steps in support for the family through this period of loss and mourning, and the coronial investigation that is underway.
“From each of the preliminary reports the Coroner will issue Death Certificates and release of the body certificate to Police. Police will then contact family members and give them those documents,” said PPC Kates.
Initial police reports state that the 27 victims travelled to Pigeon Island for a birthday party and were returning to Kokopo when their boat overturned. Due to strong winds and big swells the strong currents carried the victims towards waters of New Ireland.
The only two survivors are the two boat operators who drifted for six hours at sea before they reached the shores of Baai village.
PPC Kates who has been providing updates on the Recovery Mission said this will be a harrowing time for families, and they have the full support of our communities in East New Britain and Police.
“Vessels are to be used to recreate the journey taken by the families to better understand direction, wave patterns and currents. Police are taking statements from residents of Pigeon Island and will progress to Baai Village to again take further statements from the residents of the village,” said PPC Kates.
In the meantime, the coronial investigation by Police into the capsize of the boats and loss is ongoing and thorough.
Police will travel to New Ireland to take statements from the community members who searched diligently for and found the bodies on their islands.
“Information will be made public as soon as it can be released, and I again appeal to people not to believe speculation and rumour that is quite often untrue,” said PPC Kates.
President of the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Isamel Toroama, has also expressed his condolences to families of the 27 victims.
