The Madang Provincial Police Commander (PPC) in a statement released today says that the search for a missing boat and its passengers continues at this time as more reports come in to help police further investigate the disappearance of the boat. The PPC, Acting Superintendent Robert Baim stated that the tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday, 12th March 2024, when a boat carrying seven passengers along with the skipper and crew, capsized in rough seas. The missing individuals are believed to be drifting along the coastlines or islands of Morobe, Manus, West New Britain, East and West Sepik provinces. The Madang Trans-National Crimes and National Criminal Intelligence Unit (TCU-NCIU) received reports after family members disseminated information through text messages and social media platforms. This raised the alarm and prompted concerned authorities to initiate search and rescue operations. TCU-NCIU Madang has been collaborating with various agencies, including National and Provincial Disaster Management Authorities, PNG NMSA, PNG NFA, Customs PNG, PNG DF Navy, National Broadcasting Corporation (NBC), and social media platforms, to disseminate information and seek assistance from neighboring Maritime Provinces. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the boat involved in the mishap was a 23-foot orange-colored vessel powered by a 40hp outboard motor, belonging to Mr. Sebastian from Mamgak Village, Ward 04 of Saidor Local Level Government (LLG) in the Rai Coast District of Madang Province. The skipper, Mr. Orise Barabang from Baru Ward 03 of Saidor LLG, was operating the boat at the time of the incident. The boat departed from Round Wara/Gagasi Lagoon in Madang town on Tuesday, 12th March 2024, at 01:30 pm, bound for Saidor/Rai Coast. Although initially carrying 11 passengers, three were offloaded at Kranket Island due to adverse weather conditions, leaving nine passengers on board for Raicoast. Among the missing passengers is Mr. Lawerance Numihahu, a primary school teacher, along with several others from Saidor LLG and nearby areas. Ongoing search and rescue efforts include gathering information and recovering Mr. Numihahu's belongings that was found on Siassi Island in Morobe Province. TCU-NCIU Madang is actively collaborating with Mr. Numihahu's family and other stakeholders to piece together the events that led up to the mishap and locate the missing individuals. However, there have been recent developments, including mobile phone communications indicating a potential hostage situation. This is also under investigation. PPC Baim has urged the public to remain vigilant and report any relevant information to the authorities. Search and rescue operations, coupled with intelligence gathering efforts, are continuing to locate the missing persons and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.