9 missing persons from Temotu including child landed safely in Small Malaita

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A boat which went missing since last week in Temotu has landed in Small Malaita safely with nine persons onboard, including a child.

Director of Solomon Islands Maritime Authority Thierry Nervale confirmed to SBMOnline that they have bravely paddled in the past few days and arrived safely in South Malaita yesterday.

According to Nervale, they were informed on Thursday that a small boat left Lata to Vanikoro via Utupua with 9 persons onboard (1 child, 2 females and 6 males).

“We have been worrying for them since Thursday, alerted Police and local communities. We have run our drifting model since then to track them and informed Vanuatu authorities to alert northern Vanuatu islands communities,” he said.

Nervale added: “We could not do search beyond the reef around those islands due to the bad weather conditions. We tried to mobilise an aircraft but none was available. We have broadcast radio security messages since Thursday for any vessels in the vicinity,” he said.

Safe landing

The director said they have bravely paddled for the last few days and now in Small Malaita where they are now and taken care of.

“We could get them on the phone since yesterday evening. They are now safe and in good health from reports we are receiving,” he added.

Nervale also commended the survivors. “These people have been smart in having paddles on board and save their telephone battery to call as soon as they are at distance from shore. They also did well in informing their intention before leaving. If they had had a location device, we would have been able to assist earlier and more efficiently.”

Appeal

 The director reminds travellers saying: “It is good to remind again people going at sea to inform when they leave and when they are planning to arrive, have their boat prepared and way of signalling their position, communicating, food and water.”