The RSIPF is reminding the general public, particularly people living in the Provinces to reconsider any sea travel during bad weather.
Travel across the ocean even on a short trip can be dangerous or risky. If you are considering ocean travel during bad weather you should monitor weather warnings provided through the SIBC news and the Metrological office.
This is an appeal to all boat users and people who use sea transport as their means of movement. Whilst this is the only mean of travel in some Provinces, people should always remember that we cannot control the weather.
On Wednesday police have received two separate reports of missing boats in Western Province. One of the boats went missing with nine passengers, including six adults and 3 children. The boat left Mase in North New Georgia on the early afternoon of Tuesday during some high swell seas and was expected arrive at Kokove Kolombagara by 6 p.m. Despite the weather and journey being hampered by shortage of fuel, the boat fortunately reached its destination.
In a separate incident, police are yet to locate another missing white ray boat which is powered by a 75HP OBM Yamaha and carrying on board thirteen (13) passengers, including three females and ten males. The boat left Vella La Vella for Choiseul on Wednesday, 17 August around midday and was reported to have sunk between the islands due to the high swelling seas.
Following a police search and rescue operation on Wednesday afternoon, three of the missing passengers were located between Tuzu and Kakasa area by search party of local OBM and police. Later on the same day, a boat heading to the Choiseul Province picked up six more of the missing passengers outside of Tuzu area. Currently, four passengers are still missing.
Police are calling on those living on the coastal areas in Western Province to look out for the missing people and make contact with police immediately if they are located.
For police assistance, call 23666, or IN EMERGENCIES ONLY call 999.