POLICE in New Ireland have confirmed that six expatriates—two females and four males—have died after a boat carrying twelve people capsized.
The group had gone for a picnic on Sunday, July 26, at Malie Island, outside Londolovit town in Lihir, New Ireland Province and on their way back, the boat capsized.
New Ireland Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Albert Beli, confirmed that one of the deceased females was from Myanmar and the other from China. Of the four deceased males, three were from China and one was from Myanmar.
He added that one male from Nepal and two from China survived the incident.
“According to the report provided by police officers in Lihir, the six deceased and the other survivors were employees of Dongsheng Investment Limited Supermarket and Hardware who went out for a picnic,” PPC Beli said.
“While returning, the boat experienced mechanical faults with the engines.”
“They managed to fix the issue and continue their journey; however, while traveling, they were struck by strong waves
that caused the boat to capsize, leaving six dead and six surviving.”
PPC said that the bodies of the six deceased are currently at the Lihir Medical Centre Morgue, where the survivors are also receiving treatment.
He stated that police have formed an investigative team and are currently looking into the matter, while adding that the the investigation will establish what happened so authorities can determine the appropriate course of action if any suspects are identified.
PPC Beli thanked the Lihir police for their quick response, which led to the recovery of the deceased and saved the survivors.
He noted that it was a collaborative effort between the police and other agencies.
”I want to appeal to those using small craft as their means of transport to think carefully before taking on passengers to travel into the open sea,” PPC Beli said.
“We have lost many lives within weeks, and we do not want to lose any more. Please adhere to weather warnings.”
The PPC noted that police in the province are assisting other agencies in search and recovery operations for missing passengers from the recent East New Britain boat incident.