The RSIPF once again reminds members of the public to take into serious consideration the weather before travelling in outboard motor canoes between the islands and from village to village in the country.
This follows the death of three people in a boat tragedy near a village in East Malaita on Saturday 19 August.
“Our officers from Auki and Atori are investigating the tragic accident during the weekend. I would like to take this opportunity to remind members of the public especially in Malaita to seriously consider the situation with the weather before travelling at sea on our small boats. With the impact of climate change, our weather patterns have changed drastically from what we were used to in the past. The advice is for people to listen to the weather forecasts broadcast by the Meteorological Service on SIBC before embarking on their boat trips,” says Provincial Police Commander, Malaita Province, David Wate.
“The boat drivers are also reminded to ensure that they carry life jackets and other sea safety equipment on board their canoes when they are transporting passengers. These things cost money but be assured that such equipment will save lives when you have an accident,” says PPC Wate
Information received by police say the boat tragedy happened when the motorised canoe carrying eight passengers sank on a reef outside Maku Village in East Fataleka. It was on its way back to Cana’an Village in East Kwaio when the accident happened.