BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
GIZO
WESTERN Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu sends a strong reminder for boat travelers to follow all basic safety practices when out on the sea in Western Province.
Failing to comply with simple safety rules will result of lose to life and drift in the sea.
PPC Lenialu said on Friday Police at Gizo have rescued seven people who were drifting in a white ray boat powered by a 15hp engine near Vella La Vella Island.
“The boat was travelling to Sambora Village in Vella La Vella from Gizo with seven passengers on board when they ran out of fuel and begun drifting,”
“It was lucky that a Police stabi – craft was travelling back to Gizo from a patrol trip when the police officers sighted them waving for assistance and towed them to their home village, he added.
“It was alleged that there was only one paddle in the canoe and the men in the boat were consuming alcohol,” said PPC Lenialu.
PPC said that if you are the skipper you are legally responsible for the safety of the boat and all on board you must carry enough fuel, paddles, food and water for your intended destination, and do not consume alcohol when travelling out at sea whether on a short or long trip as you cannot make good decisions when you are drunk.
Meanwhile, Western Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu appeals to the people of Western province to always think safety first before travelling.
PPC Lenialu advice the general public in Western Province to check Local Newspapers, SIBC or the Solomon Islands Metrology Service on phone 23856 or toll free 933 for the latest weather report.
