RSIPF investigates tragic OBM accident in Central Province

Officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) in Yandina, Russel Islands Central Province are investigating the death of a 40-year-old male person in an incident involving an out board motor yesterday (13 August 2020) afternoon.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander Central Island Province Inspector Hugo Maelasi says, “A 75-horse power Yamaha engine with the Yamaha ray boat owned by the Member of Parliament for Savo-Russells, Hon.Dickson Mua was involved in the tragic accident at Liver Point in the Russel Islands resulting in the death of the 40-year-old male from Malaita who had settled at Mui Village in the Russel Islands.

“Following the incident, it was discovered that both male travelling in the OBM from Honiara were allegedly under the influence of alcohol. Information received from a witness working at Yandina said that they were travelling from Channel when came across the incident at the Lever Point and saw someone waving at them and calling for assistance. “

“According to the witness, as they drew closer to the OBM they saw the body of the deceased floating some distance from the OBM with blood all over the sea and the person was already dead. The witness said they informed the police at Yandina, who together with Medical staff rescued the body of the deceased,” says Supervising PPC Maelasi add.

“Police at Yandina have taken in one of the suspects for questioning as investigation into the sad incident continues.”

“I want to appeal to outboard motor operators in Central Province never to take alcohol when travelling on our seas, because you are risking your own life and that of other passengers,” says PPC Maelasi.

PPC Maelasi appeal to both parties of the relatives of the deceased and the suspect to stay calm and let the Law take its course to avoid such additional criminal cases.