Police boat sank at the western border beached in south Bougainville

A police speed craft patrolling the western border and sinking between Uhu and Ilina Island was picked up by villagers at Nikumu in South Bougainville on 18 September 2026.

The boat, having a mechanical problem and encountering strong wind with a rough sea, caused the striker (police boat) to sink.

The boat is on patrol on the western border and encountered a mechanical problem with both engines failing on their way back from Choiseul to Lofung in the Shortland Islands.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) National Operation (NO), Mr Lional Kapisa, said that the officers on board the striker tried to remove the incoming water, but they were unable to.

AC NO Mr Kapisa said strong winds and high swells are the main cause of the boat to sink, which allows water to wash through from behind the striker and fill the boat.

AC Kapisa said police are working closely with the relevant authorities for the safe handover of the boat to the police at the western border.

“This incident is a learning experience for us to consider a few challenges on safety and dedicated experts to be stationed at the western border post to mitigate such challenges," said AC Kapisa.

Mr Kapisa said all officers on board the striker have been rescued by the support from people from Samanago in the Shortlands Islands and the deployed team at the Lofung patrol boat outpost.