Tragedy at Sea: One Dead, Three Missing After Boat Capsizes

A body believed to be one of the four passengers missing after a boat carrying seven people capsized en route to San Jorge on Thursday was found today, marking the first confirmed fatality from the incident.

Director of the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority, Thierry Nervale, confirmed the discovery to SBM tonight.

Earlier, three people were rescued, including one who was found sitting on the hull of the overturned boat, while others were located drifting on debris near Moe Island in the Russell Islands.

The boat, which departed Honiara for San Jorge in Isabel Province, ran into trouble during the journey.

Nervale said search and rescue operations remain ongoing and are currently in the Distress Phase.

“We have mobilised police boats, community boats from the Russell Islands, and helicopter support,” he said.

“So far, three people have been rescued. We still have three persons missing, and we are actively searching for them.”

Nervale also reiterated the importance of maritime safety, urging boat operators not to overload boats and to ensure they carry sufficient fuel and lifesaving equipment, including life jackets