Two people have been reported dead, two remain missing, and two have been rescued following a boating incident in Jacquinot Bay, Pomio District, East New Britain Province.
The incident occurred between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM on Friday when a 23-foot dinghy departed from Palmalmal in West Pomio Local Level Government (LLG), bound for Central Pomio LLG.
According to police reports, the vessel capsized due to very rough sea conditions with high swells that swamped the boat. Authorities believe the boat was also overloaded with cargo.
East New Britain Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Chief Superintendent Amanda Kates, confirmed with PNG HAUSBUNG that as of Sunday, August 23, two bodies have been recovered, while search efforts continue for the two missing passengers.
The two survivors include the boat’s operator, a 53-year-old male from Central Pomio, who is currently in police custody assisting with investigations.
PPC Kates stated that the operator will face manslaughter charges pending the outcome of the investigation.
Reflecting on the tragedy, PPC Kates noted that while today marks a sad day for East New Britain, the situation could have been far worse.
She revealed that several Pomio students had been dropped off at their destinations prior to the boat’s departure from West Pomio.
Had these passengers remained on board, the death toll would likely have been higher.
Chief Superintendent Kates issued a stern warning to all small boat operators that the maritime laws and safety protocols do exist, particularly during this period affected by the El Niño weather pattern.
“If no death occurs and the boat operator still goes out despite warnings in place, he or she can be severely fined under the Small Craft Act.”
“However, if the operator goes out and causes serious injury or death, it becomes a criminal offence.”
“They can be charged under the Small Craft Act and the Criminal Code, up to manslaughter.”
She urged all boat operators to heed wind warnings, monitor sea conditions, and ensure appropriate safety equipment is on board for all passengers.
“I encourage all boat operators to please take heed of the wind and weather warnings. Failure to do so will result in heavy fines, and if death or injury occurs, a lengthy prison sentence awaits you,” she added.
Meanwhile, East New Britain Governor Michael Marum expressed his sincere condolences to the families of the victims from the Pomio incident.
He delivered the message while addressing the families and relatives of the 27 victims of the July 18 Pang Pang Island boating tragedy, who had gathered for a memorial service at Nonga General Hospital in Rabaul earlier today.
Governor Marum highlighted the rising toll of accidents in the province, noting that since the start of the year, East New Britain has recorded just over 54 deaths related to natural disasters both at sea and on land.
