A PASSENGER/CARGO vessel formerly known as MV Kosco has sank off a reef near Noro, Western Province, this morning (January 16th 2023).
Reports said the vessel now known as J.Harms was stuck on a reef for several months after it ran aground on the reef near Baru.
Since, then there was no attempt to salvage it until it met its fate on Monday morning.
It was revealed between 7am to 8am it started taking in water and lost its balance before submerging into the ocean.
A Noro resident Jay Munavaki posted online that the boat started to sink early Monday morning.
Another resident William Liuramo said the boat ran aground at a reef closer to Baru in Noro.
“This morning (Monday) it sunk after wrecked at that very reef for some years.
“Authorities should step in to remove this ship in the first place,” he said.
There is still no evidence to the cause of the sinking.
It’s also unclear whether there are crews onboard.
Images which were released online and went viral via the social media also saw a number of outboard motors (OBM) being spotted near the scene to carry out rescue efforts.
A number of lift-boats were also discharged and were seen floating just off the sinking vessel.
It’s unclear whether lives were lost during the tragedy.
Meanwhile, residents of Noro and the surrounding areas are concerned with the environmental pollution to the marine ecosystem inside the Noro Harbour.
Many residents are urging the Western Provincial Government to act quickly with the Ministry of Environment, and Marine or whoever is responsible to quickly remove any oil spill and poisonous material that may be discharged from the vessel.
The ship is own by MP for Rendova Hon. Danny Philip.
It was brought many years ago and had been serving both the Malaita and Western Provinces for many years.
By ULUTAH GINA & MOFFAT MAMU
SOLOMON STAR, GIZO
