A recent maritime incident in New Ireland province last Sunday has seen the death of six Asians who died from drowning when their boat capsized at Malie Island, North of Kavieng town.
New Ireland Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Albert Beli said the six deceased include four men and two women from China, Myanmar and Nepal.
Police in New Ireland said the six are employees of Dongsheng, a supermarket and hardware business in New Ireland. They were part of a group of twelve people who had gone for a picnic on Sunday (July 26), outside Londolovit in Lihir and capsized on their return.
Police believe when the group was returning, the boat experienced some mechanical faults with its engines but they managed to fix the issue before resuming their journey home.
“While traveling, they were struck by strong waves that caused the boat to capsize, leaving six dead and six surviving. The bodies of the six deceased are currently at the Lihir Medical Centre Morgue, where the survivors are also receiving treatment,” PPC Beli said.
Police have formed an investigative team and are currently looking into the matter. The investigation team will establish what happened and produce a report to the authorities who can determine the appropriate course of action if any suspects are identified.
PPC Beli thanked the Lihir police for their quick response, which led to the recovery of the deceased and saved the survivors. He stated that it was a collaborative effort between the police and other agencies.
“I want to appeal to those using small craft as their means of transport to think carefully before taking on passengers to travel into the open sea. We have lost many lives within weeks, and we do not want to lose any more. Please adhere to weather warnings,” PPC Beli said.
Police in New Ireland are also continuing the recovery mission for the East New Britain Boat mishap that claimed the lives of 27 people including children. In the ENB incident, only 13 bodies have been recovered and 14 others remain missing at sea, while the authorities in ENB and New Ireland have called off the recovery mission officially, locals have been asked to continue the search for the ENB victims.
