BY ALICE T CAMPBELL
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Western Province (WP), with support from local boat owners rescued sixteen people at sea between Vella La Vella Island on 18 May 2026.
RISPF in a statement yesterday, said the rescue came after police received a distressed call for help after two people from the same boat, carrying 18 people in total swam ashore and reported the incident to the Parakasi Police Station.
Police Commissioner, Ian Vaevaso said the 18 passengers were on board from Irigila Village and travelled to Gizo to attend the funeral service of their late grandmother, and the boat capsized between Liapari and Jari Island.
He said among the eighteen passengers, eleven are adults (7 male, 4 female), and seven children under the age of five were on board a 23-foot ray boat powered by a 60-horsepower engine.
“I want to remind our good sea travellers to try to consider loading capacity and other sea safety tips before travelling,” said Vaevaso.
He also gave a reminder for boat owners and skippers on the importance of sea safety.
“Before you travel, please plan your trip properly.
“Plan your trip and let at least a member of your family know where you are going and what time you expect to arrive. Check the weather by calling the Met Service on phone 23658 or toll-free 933.
“If you start your trip and the weather becomes bad, seek shelter until the sea is calm. Make sure your boat is seaworthy and your OBM is serviced and maintained. Know your skipper. Make sure they are experienced in driving boats,” he said.
Vaevaso also said that safety at sea starts with you and if you are not too sure, stay ashore.
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