Two people still missing at sea

Two men are still missing at sea after they left Mono in Shortland Islands in a 23 feet Yamaha ray boat powered by a 60-horsepower engine, enroute for Noro, Western Province last week.

The two left Mono Island on September 3, 2021 but could not make it to their final journey.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau confirms the Royal Solomon Islands Police Vessel (RSIPV) GIZO O5 joined the search for the missing people but could not locate them after covering 144 nautical miles.

The Police Commissioner told journalists in a media conference today that RSIPV Gizo encountered strong winds and bad weather at sea during the search, therefore, withdrew and proceeded to a safe place.

He said RSIPF was tasked by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) on the search, and the RSIPV GIZO O5 conducted the search on Tuesday September 7.

“Several locations were covered under the search area identified by MRCC, a total of 144 nautical miles was covered during the search, but still there is still no sighting.

“According to reports, the bad weather makes it difficult for the search, but we will continue after further advice from MRCC,” Commissioner Mangau said.

MRCC continues to broadcast to all ships and fishing vessels around the search area to assist if they see any boat.

“I am calling on seafarers, fishing vessels and boats to assist on the lookout for the missing boat with two male persons,” he said. The search still continues.

by Jared Koli