Three boating incidents have been reported in Papua New Guinea waters.
At least 26 people were reported missing after two boats capsized last Saturday, 18 July.
They were reportedly voyaging on two boats from Pangpang Island in the Duke of York group to Kokopo, the capital of East New Britain.
Eight bodies have been recovered as of Friday morning (NZ time).
Separately, Bougainville’s President Ishmael Toroama said three Bougainvilleans remain unaccounted for after another maritime incident that same day.
PNG’s Post Courier newspaper reported a passenger boat carrying nine people reportedly capsized on 15 July while travelling from Muliama to Anir Island, leaving six missing.
East New Britain incident update
NBC reported local villagers found five bodies on Thursday afternoon in the Tigak Islands of New Ireland Province.
They were found along the reef – three washed ashore on Upuas Island, while two surfaced near Enang Island.
New Ireland provincial disaster manager Terrence Tasia said, due to the state of decomposition, images and identifying details were being transmitted to East New Britain Disaster officials for formal identification.
The search for the remaining missing passengers continues.
PNG police said that authorities had confirmed 26 people were reported missing, revised down from the initial figure of 27.
In a statement on Wednesday, East New Britain provincial police commander Superintendent Amanda Kates reported that two survivors – one a skipper of the first boat and the other a passenger on the second boat – provided an account of the incident.
“According to their testimony, the group departed Pangpang Island at 3:30pm bound for Kokopo when rough seas struck. A sudden upswell lifted one boat’s stern, causing it to capsize and throw all occupants into the water.
“The second boat attempted a rescue but became unstable as survivors tried to climb aboard, leading to its capsizing as well. Strong currents and poor visibility quickly separated the survivors. The two men eventually drifted to Baai Village, where they were rescued six hours later.
“Authorities said that no other vessels were involved.”
Three missing in Bougainville waters
Toroama extended his sympathies to the affected families and the people of East New Britain, saying that those in Bougainville understood the pain and uncertainty.
“On the same day, our own people were affected by a separate boat incident, with three Bougainvilleans still unaccounted for,” he said.
“This shared experience strengthens our resolve to stand alongside our brothers and sisters in East New Britain province.
“As a maritime province and island region, we understand the dangers and uncertainty faced by our people when travelling by sea.”
He also appealed to seafarers and boat operators to “exercise extreme caution during this period of strong winds and rough seas”.
“No journey is more important than the safety of our people.”
