The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) strongly remind sea travelers in the country to always think safety first when travelling in our waters.
This comes after Police at Yandina received a report about a boat which sank on 6 October 2018.
Director Police Maritime, Chief Superintendent Charles Fox Sau says, “On Friday 5 October 2018 a boat powered by a 40 Horse power Suzuki out boat motor engine, was travelling from Honiara to the Russell Islands when they encountered bad weather and capsized. There were three people on board including a female and two male persons.
Chief Superintendent Sau adds: “When the boat sank, one male and the female person swam to an island using floaters whilst the other male remained floating with the sunken boat.”
He adds: “The other two reached the island at night and the next morning they saw a boat travelling towards Guadalcanal when they waved for help. The boat assisted them to Yandina where they reported the incident to Police.”
Chief Superintendent Sau says, “A Police Maritime stabicraft and other marine vessels within the area were notified and a search was conducted by my officers. It was not until 7 October 2018 that the man was found holding onto the boat and was picked up by a pole and line vessel Soltai 105, 13.6 nautical miles from Langalau light, Russell Islands.
Chief Superintendent Sau emphasizes: “I would like to remind our sea travelers across the country to always think safety first when travelling on our waters. The most important thing is to ensure that you check the weather forecast issued by the Meteorology office broadcast by the SIBC daily. Ensure that your OBM works properly. Carry extra paddles water and fuel. And boat owners and skippers make sure you have proper life jackets in your boats.”