AN adult woman has lost her life and an 18-year-old boy is still missing as a result of a boat collision that occurred near Kolombangara Island, Western Province, last Friday.
Police Commissioner Matthew Varley at his weekly conference, Thursday told reporters that police are still searching for the young lad who was thrown into the sea when the two boats collided.
He said it is a tragic incident where two boats collided about 100 meters from the shore of the Kolombangara Island, near the Kukudu Adventist High School.
“The incident occurred at about 7pm to 8pm on Friday night (March 17) and we understand from our initial inquiries the two boats left from different locations nearby those Islands,” Mr Varley said.
“They were travelling in separate directions when they collided.
“One boat left Gizo carrying three passengers and another boat had left carrying five passengers from Kolombangara Island.”
Mr Varley said the two boats met near the Kukudu School and unfortunately there was a collision between those two boats.
“That resulted in a number of injuries and serious injuries to some of the occupants of the boats and also the death of one adult female.”
He said an 18-year-old male was also thrown into the water and was lost at sea.
“At this point in time it appears he was thrown into the sea and unable to be located.
“As yet, he has not been found.
“We are still conducting searches and we are appealing to the community for any information if they know anything about the whereabouts of this young man or can assist police with their inquiries to please contact Gizo police.”
The police chief said the young male was 18 years of age and was described as being 160 centimetres tall.
Mr Varley said he was wearing a green sport shorts and also a green t-shirt and described as of slim built with short curly hair.
He could not release the name of the young man due to privacy issues.
He said thoughts and prayers go out to the families of those who were killed and injured and to the families of the young missing man.
“We certainly hope he can be found soon.”
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
