12 rescued after boat sinks in Western Province
The sunken ray boat located by police. Photo: Police media
Police rescued 12 passengers after their ray boat sank yesterday at Point Kuri Passage in Western Province.
The boat from Ghatere on Kolombangara island was reportedly travelling to Beulah Provincial Secondary School to drop off students when it sank.
Several women, men and a 3-year-old girl were also among the passengers.
Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu, provincial police commander for Western Province, said a Seghe police boat rescued the passengers about 20 minutes after the incident.
A Noro police boat and a private canoe from Noro assisted in the rescue.
Mr Lenialu said the sunken boat was located, but the passengers’ belongings were not found.
The Kokeqolo Helena Goldie Hospital and the Lodumaho congregation in Munda were caring for the passengers.
Mr Lenialu said people in Western Province must take precautions when travelling at sea and always carry safety supplies on board vessels.
By Lowen Sei