BOAT SURVIVORS REMAIN IN TOWN

The six boat survivors remain in town, pending a police investigation and security clearance for them to go back home, a government source told PNG SUN.

The survivors consist of five men and one mysterious boy of the Southern Highlands origin.

They were flown back to Port Moresby from the Autonomous Region of Bougainville in an Air Niugini plane recently due to high security risks at the Buka Airport.

They are still under the custody of PNG and AROB authorities in the city.

Earlier, after interrogations were concluded, they were cleared to have traveled back to the island on the plane with ABG leaders but relatives of two missing passengers, who fronted at the Buka Airport, demanding answers on the whereabouts of the duo. They threatened to retaliate on them. The armed relatives destroyed properties and threatened the relatives of the survivors.

Reports say there were eight passengers on board an ill-fated dinghy destined to AROB from New Ireland. Due to bad weather maneuvering, the boat ran out of fuel. They were drifted on sea for nearly a month until a Chinese fishing vessel salvaged them to safety in Kiribati.

PNG Authorities including Department of Foreign Affairs, PNG Immigration and Citizenship, and National Disaster Office facilitated their return to the capital city from Kiribati via Fiji.

The source informed that police were communicating with the relatives of the duo to ease the tension before the six travel back to the island.

WANPIS AKO
WANPIS AKO
Managing Editor who holds a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Public Relations from the University of Papua New Guinea. He possesses additional Diploma each in Marketing and Business Management.

━ Related News

PM Marape challenges districts to turn development funding into tangible results

Prime Minister James Marape has challenged district leaders nationwide to deliver tangible results from public funding, citing Menyamya’s newly opened facilities as evidence of...

K20 million worth Jimi Bridge contract signed for Madang-Baiyer Economic Corridor

A K20 million contract for a 120-metre bridge across the Jimi River was signed last Friday in Port Moresby to connect Middle Ramu in...

NWS warns Port Moresby residents as smoky haze raises health concerns

Smoky-looking skies (Haze) are re-appearing all over Port Moresby yesterday. Everyone wonders what are its causes and effects. National Weather Services was quoted on a local...

PM Marape orders cuts to duty travels, meeting expenses amid essential service, El Nino pressures

Prime Minister James Marape says Cabinet has approved cuts to unnecessary government spending, including official travel and conferences, to redirect limited public funds towards...

BNG Trading and NARI partner to advance Sheep breeding research in PNG

BNG Trading’s PNG Protein Park (PX3) and the National Agricultural Research Institute (NARI) have partnered at Sogeri to distribute six sheeps to regional research...