Eight passengers whose boat experienced engine problem while travelling between Savo and Ngella in the Central Province have been successfully rescued on 19 July 2018 and are now safe.
The passengers rescued are primary and secondary school teachers of Boromole and Polomuhu Schools in Ngella.
Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Central Province Superintendent Patricia Leta says, “We received the report at about 6 pm on 19 July. My officers responded to the report and successfully rescued the boat with all the passengers safely to the Tulagi Police Station at around 8pm on that same evening. My officers sighted the boat near Bungana Island.”
Superintendent Leta explains, “The men were travelling in a 21-feet long boat powered by a 40 horse Suzuki engine on their trip from Honiara.”
PPC Leta says, “I appeal to all the good people of Central Province to ensure that their engines are properly serviced and in good working order before setting out on any trip. Do not travel during bad weather because you will be risking your life if any problem happens at sea during your trip.”
Ms Leta says, “Let us all work together to reduce problems happening at sea by planning our trips properly before travelling.”
She says, “Before you travel, please plan your trip properly. Here are some safety points to remember before travelling:
• Plan your trip and let at least a member of your family know where you are going and what time you expect to arrive;
• Check the weather on SIBC or call the Met Service on 27658 or toll free 933;
• If you start your trip and the weather becomes bad, seek shelter until the sea is calm;
• Make sure your boat is seaworthy and your OBM is serviced and maintained;
• Know your skipper. Make sure they are experienced in driving boats;
• Do not overload your boat
• Wear life jackets. Take food and water, paddles, first aid kit, anchor and rope, mirror to signal others, tools, bucket, torch, phone, flares and EPIRB;
• Take extra fuel;
• If your skipper is drunk, do not go with them or let them control the boat; and
• If you require help at sea call the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) on phone 21609 or 27685 or the toll free phone 977; or call the RSIPF National Communication Centre on phone 23666 or the toll free phone 999.
Safety at sea starts with you. IF YOU ARE NOT TOO SURE, STAY ASHORE.”
PPC Leta also thanked her officers who had the courage and responded to the report although the weather was extremely bad on the night of the rescue.