8 rescued at sea between Honiara and Tulagi

Maritime police rescue eight passengers between Florida islands and Guadalcanal

 The police maritime of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) have rescued eight passengers between Florida Islands (Ngella) and Guadalcanal Thursday last week.

Director Police Maritime, Chief Superintendent Russell Tagini said the boat encountered fuel shortage problem outside Lungga and started to drift back to Tulagi.

Tagini said they received a request from Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) and their search and rescue team responded in about 45 minutes and rescued the passengers.

He reminders travellers that, before they travel, they must plan their trip properly.

Here are some safety points to remember before travelling:

• Plan your trip and at least let 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 the toll free 933; or phones 36310 or 24219.

• 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