Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in the Western province are investigating the death of a male adult while travelling on board a motorised canoe in the Roviana Lagoon on 22 June 2018.
“It is alleged that the deceased was driving the out boat motor engine on his way to Munda to pick up market vendors when he and two other male persons on board the boat nearly collided with another boat powered by a bigger OBM. The deceased is alleged to have fallen into the sea without the other two men realising,” says Provincial Police Commander western Province, Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu.
He adds: “It is alleged the deceased was under the influence of alcohol during that time and they are travelling by night time.”
PPC Lenialu adds: “Police as well as divers from Munda searched for the body of the deceased during the weekend but it was not until this morning (25 June) that his body was found by people in the area.”
“Investigations into this matter will continue. I call on people in the Roviana Lagoon and the Province as a whole to always think about your safety when travelling at sea during daylight or at night,” says PPC Lenialu.
He adds: “I urge OBM owners and drivers to think about your safety and the safety of others. Make sure your skippers are sober when travelling at sea. By taking these simple measures we will save lives.”
Anybody with information regarding this incident should contact the Munda Police Station on phone 62189, the National Communication Centre on phone 23666 or dial the police toll free line 999.