Police urges landing craft operators to ensure their boats are sea worthy

The Royal Solomon Island is appealing to Landing Craft (LC) owners and operators to ensure their vessels are sea worthy.

The appeal came after LC Coast Way carrying 13 crew members sank between Leru and Mary islands in Central Province.

Provincial Police Commander for Central Province Superintendent David Soakai said that Police in Tulagi received a report from the Maritime Rescue Centre concerning the vessel due to a leakage at the back of the vessel.

Its three generators onboard also failed to pump out water resulting in the incident.

“Before the vessel sank, the first six crew members used their life jackets and swam to Leru Island.”

“They arrived safely and alerted the local community who came out to assist and rescue the other seven,” Superintendent Sokai said.

All landing crafts and passenger vessels should undergo regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they are seaworthy before departing to any destination. 

They were advised to adhere to safety regulations to prevent such incidents from happening.

The Tulagi Police extends its gratitude to the local community at Leru for their response in ensuring the safety of all crew members involved.

An enquiry file has been established and investigation into this matter is underway.

ENDS///

Police media/edited for clarity