Premier Siapu Condemns Unauthorised Foreign Vessel Activities in Three Sisters Islands Waters

BREAKING TONIGHT: The Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Honourable Stanley Siapu, has expressed grave concern over repeated and unauthorised activities by foreign vessels within the maritime area of the Three Sisters Islands, an area customarily and administratively recognised as falling under Makira Ulawa Provincial waters.

Speaking from Kirakira, the Premier confirmed that over the weekend, communities from the Three Sisters Islands alerted provincial authorities to the presence of a foreign vessel initially believed to be a tourist boat, operating on reef areas surrounding the islands. Subsequent verification confirmed that the vessel, CAPELLA C, arrived on Saturday night and conducted diving and related marine activities throughout Saturday night and Sunday morning without any prior approval.

In response, a joint team comprising officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and senior provincial government officials travelled to the site on Sunday to verify the report. Upon arrival, the team observed the vessel anchored directly on reef areas, with approximately five (5) foreign nationals onboard. The vessel was identified as a research/diving vessel.

Investigations further revealed that a local dive operator from Western Province, Mr Danny Kennedy, was present onboard. When questioned, Mr Kennedy admitted that no approval, permit, or licence had been obtained from the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government or relevant national authorities prior to entering the area and conducting activities.

Following a direct executive directive, the vessel was ordered to immediately cease all activities and vacate the area, which it did within minutes. It was also reported that the vessel departed without settling payment for local produce and food obtained from community members.

The Provincial Secretary, Mr Christopher Waiwori, stated that the actions of the vessel constitute serious breaches of several laws, including:

• The Fisheries Management Act 2015, relating to unauthorised marine and fisheries activities;

• The Maritime Safety Administration (Research Vessels) Regulations 2010, for operating without proper authorisation;

• Provisions of the Provincial Government Act 1997, which recognise provincial jurisdiction over provincial waters; and

• Relevant Makira Ulawa Provincial Ordinances governing business licensing, marine access, and the use of provincial waters.

Mr Waiwori noted that this incident is not isolated. Communities have consistently reported sightings of foreign vessels and yachts operating in the Three Sisters Islands area, often at night, raising serious concerns about unauthorised marine research, tourism activities, and potential damage to sensitive reef ecosystems.

He also expressed strong displeasure at the conduct of the vessel’s crew for leaving the area without paying for goods obtained from local communities, describing the action as disrespectful and unacceptable.

Premier Siapu further highlighted the global importance of the Three Sisters Islands reefs. In 2024, scientists from National Geographic identified the world’s largest known single coral—a massive Pavona clavus colony measuring approximately 34 metres wide—within the area. The coral has been described as a “living library” of ocean history, underscoring the need for lawful, regulated, and sustainable access.

In concluding, the Premier emphasised that while Makira Ulawa Province welcomes visitors, tourists, scientists, and researchers, all activities must comply fully with the law.

“Makira Ulawa Province is not opposed to tourism or research. What we demand is respect for our laws, our communities, and our marine resources. Any person or vessel wishing to operate in our waters must first obtain the proper clearances from the appropriate authorities,” the Premier said.

A formal report has been submitted to the Office of the Premier and the Provincial Secretary to determine appropriate legal, administrative, and enforcement actions, including referrals to relevant national authorities in Honiara.

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