3 men rescued in Isabel as a boat is found empty in North Malaita. Police investigates
BY NED GAGAHE
Three men were rescued at sea in Isabel Province after being found floating by a local fisherman, as police continue investigations into a mysterious rayboat that later went ashore on Dai Island in North Malaita.
According to police, the men were discovered during the festive season by a fisherman who went fishing on that day. The fisherman picked them up and brought them safely to Haevo village in Maringe District. Officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Maritime Unit later arrived and transported the men to Honiara.
Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Isabel Province, Inspector Harry Vanosi, confirmed to Island Sun yesterday that police in Buala have not yet obtained detailed information on how the men ended up at sea.
Police could not confirm report that a group of people who had left Russell islands around Christmas for Isabel in search of betel nuts to purchase are still missing.
PPC Vanosi said the Maritime Unit, which transferred the men to Honiara, is expected to provide further details as investigations continue.
Meanwhile, police in Malaita are investigating the discovery of a rayboat found at Dai Island, North Malaita.
Supervising PPC Malaita Province, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, said the boat was found on January 4, 2026, by school children and was later reported to Auki Police on January 6, 2026.
“The boat was found with no one onboard,” Superintendent Ramosaea said. “Only slippers and two bag betel nuts were found on the boat.”
The rayboat is powered by a 40-horsepower Yamaha outboard engine. Community elders from Dai Island have confirmed the discovery, and Auki Police are working closely with local leaders to retrieve the boat once weather conditions improve.
Superintendent Ramosaea said the boat could be from Western Solomons, Isabel Province, or Bougainville.
He confirmed he has been in contact with police in Buala, but said investigations are still ongoing. Once the boat is brought to Auki, police will photograph it and circulate the images for verification.
Police have appealed to the public to come forward if they have information about any missing boat or persons during the festive period.
“Anyone who may have lost a boat or has information that may assist police is urged to contact the nearest police station,” Superintendent Ramosaea said.
Police have not yet confirmed whether the rescued men are connected to the abandoned boat. Investigations into both incidents continue.
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