Disaster relief works in Rendova on hold after helicopter makes forced landing in shallow waters offshore Munda
[Published on Saturday, 18 April 2026]
BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
RELIEF efforts to communities in Rendova have been disrupted after a helicopter delivering food supplies was forced to make an emergency landing on a reef outside Munda.
No injury has been reported, with the pilot and crew reported safe.
National Disaster Management Officer, Henry Smith Malvi, confirmed the incident, saying the chopper went down during its final delivery run to Rendova Island mid-afternoon.
He said the aircraft had already completed two successful trips earlier on Friday, 17, April before the incident occurred.
Malvi said earlier on Friday, the chopper made two trips with food supplies and staffs to Rendova.
“It returned and we loaded the chopper for the final trip.
“It took off and sometime after it took off, we received the message about the incident,” Malvi said.
He said he was informed of the situation via radio, prompting an immediate response from his team who rushed to the site.
Malvi said rescue efforts focused on retrieving the pilot and crew, as well as salvaging the food supplies onboard.
“We immediately mobilised to rescue the pilot and crew and at the same time salvage the food supplies that were loaded in the chopper,” he said.
Malvi said a portion of the supplies were damaged during the incident while some of the supplies were successfully recovered.
He said the cause of the emergency landing remains unclear.
“I’m not sure what the issue was, but I can confirm that the incident is true,” he added.
Malvi said the setback will affect the pace of relief distribution, particularly to communities on the eastern side of Western Province.
Meanwhile, police has referred Island Sun enquiries to ‘relevant authorities – Aviation and NDMO’.
“Please liaise with Civil Aviation and NDMO to help with right information. Munda police only help with rescue,” Police Media told Island Sun when sought for comments on Friday.
It is unclear whether an investigation will be launched into the matter.
The chopper belongs to Heli-Support, the only civilian helicopter operator in the country based in Honiara.
Heli-Support since it started in 2005, has been regarded as a key asset which the Government has relied on for search and rescue missions on sea and terrain, medical evacuation and disaster relief distributions.
Photo credit: Henry Smith Malvi
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