Family members of the six missing passengers in a sea piracy incident between Raicoast and Madang Town last Thursday are seeking help from district government authorities to help search for their loved ones.
The family members have dug into their own pockets to conduct searches for the victims since last Friday and are running short of money to purchase fuel and hire dinghies to conduct the search.
A family member of one of the victims told PNGHausbung that his missing brother is the headmaster of the newly established Tariknan Primary School near Saidor Station and was returning back from town with school supplies when they were attacked.
So far, the boat skipper has been rescued at sea along with the body of a crew member who was found at Pik Island on Sunday.
Madang Provincial Police Commander acting Superintendent Mazuc Rubiang told PNGHausbung that two water police boats are also out at sea at this time to locate the reportedly drifting boat.
“The skipper advised that the pirates took out the engine and left the boat adrift with the other passengers after he was thrown off the boat when they fired flares at them, Mr Rubiang said.
“So far the boys found the body of the other crew on Sunday.”
“Fuel is the major issue here for our boats and responsible authorities in the district and province should assist us in such situations when it concerns the lives of our people.”
He added investigations into the piracy attack is also underway and called on the communities in the surrounding areas to assist police.
Meanwhile, the family members are still hopeful that the drifting boat is still out on the sea and have conducted searches as far as Long Island.