Overloading on small crafts or outboard motors is found to be the leading cause for accidents at sea.

The West New Britain (WNB) Provincial Disaster Office has received many reports of accidents at sea during the recent festive period with the latest incident that occurred on Christmas Day.

Disaster Officer Mr. Herman Volele, said the accident happened between Sakes and Open Bay, when traveling back from Rabaul, Tokuna transit to Ulamona.

The boat was overloaded with bags of bettle-nut and was carry around 8 passengers as well.

“When the boat capsized, most passengers had their skin burnt from the fuel that was also on the boat.”

“No deaths were reported; however, it has been known that the boat was overload and decided to use two 40 horse motor engines to power the dinghy which also is the cause of the accident, and that is a direct breach of the small craft act; therefore, this is currently under investigation.”

All small crafts travelling in and out of Kimbe, Bialla, Ulamona in West New Britain (WNB), from Kolowin to East New Britain Province (ENB) and through to Tokuna Transit are all urged to stop overloading their dinghies.

“Overloading is a crime under the small craft act, anyone found breaching this law will face imprisonment or pay a fine of K3, 000.”

“All boats are to carry no more than 15 passengers; 10 passengers are the acceptable limit when travelling out on the sea”.

In addition, skippers and crews are remaindered also to carry no more than 25 bags of betelnut.

Meanwhile, the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) and the West New Britain Disaster Office is urging all to be safe this wet season when travelling out in the open sea.