THE boat with six people onboard which went missing while travelling between Lituni Village in South Choiseul and Vella La Vella in Western province on November 13, 2018 has been found.
All six passengers, four males and two females are safe and well.
The 18-feet ray boat driven by a 40 horsepower Suzuki engine, left Lituni Village in South Choiseul on the morning of November 13 with another boat heading to Vella La Vella.
The other boat landed safely at Varapata Village on Vella La Vella at about 11 am on the same day but the other one failed to make it.
“The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Communication Centre at the Rove Police Headquarters in Honiara this morning received a call through a satellite phone from Luti Village on South Choiseul that the boat landed there yesterday evening (November 14) after drifting since the day before after their engine experienced a mechanical problem,” says Assistant Commissioner, Provincial, Joseph Manelugu.
“As part of its sea safety messaging, the RSIPF has been reminding boat owners to service their OBM’s properly before embarking on any trip between our islands.
“This is a classic example of what can happen when you do not service your engine. Luckily the boat and the six passengers landed safely after drifting for nearly two days.”
“Let us not take any risks while travelling between our islands in the small boats. If you are not too sure, stay ashore.”
–POLICE MEDIA
