Three Bougainvilleans have reportedly been rescued after 70 days lost at sea.
The three, who were travelling from Nissan Island to Buka, went missing at sea on 18 July. They were located and rescued by an overseas vessel, according to an NBC Bougainville report.
“The three were travelling by boat to Buka when their vessel ran out of zoom, leaving them without propulsion and at the mercy of ocean currents,” the report said.
It said the Autonomous Bougainville Government worked with the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre and Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in coordinating search and rescue efforts.
The three have reportedly been transported to Kiribati for further assistance.
According to NBC Bougainville, further details of the rescue, including the name of the vessel that found them, their exact location when rescued, and their current condition, are yet to be confirmed.
“The missing vessel was described as a floater dinghy with a yellow top, powered by a 60-horsepower Yamaha engine.
“After about 70 days adrift, the three have now reportedly been located by an overseas vessel and rescued.”
NBC Bougainville said the rescue had brought relief to their families and communities in Bougainville, who had spent more than two months waiting for news of the two young men and a woman.
