OFFICERS of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) have rescued six people who drifted at sea between Kolombangara island in the Western Province and Choiseul Province on Sunday.
RSIPF Commissioner Mostyn Mangau in his weekly press conference yesterday said the boat travelled from North Choiseul with six people – two male persons from Malaita and others, Lauruans.
He said they encountered strong winds with high swell waves, which resulted in the left side of the 60HP Yamaha banana boat split.
Commissioner Mangau said luckily, they were at a place where network coverage reached so they were able to call for rescue.
“A police officer from Poitete Police Post and two employees from Kolombangara Forestry Plantation Limited on board a private boat with the help from the Gizo Police were notified and they launched a rescue operation to rescue them to Gizo,” he added.
Commissioner Mangau said the search was successful with the guidance of the Office of Solomon Island Maritime Authority through the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre by providing search coordination.
Meanwhile, Police have reminded sea travellers to plan their trips properly and gave them the following safety points to remember before travelling:
- Plan your trip and at least let a member of your family know where you are going and what time you expect to arrive;
- Check the weather on SIBC or call the Met Service on the toll free 933; or phones 36310 or 24219.
- If you start your trip and the weather becomes bad, seek shelter until the sea is calm;
- Make sure your boat is seaworthy and your OBM is serviced and maintained;
- Know your skipper. Make sure they are experienced in driving boats;
- Do not overload your boat
- Wear life jackets. Take food and water, paddles, first aid kit, anchor and rope, mirror to signal others, tools, bucket, torch, phone, flares and EPIRB;
- Take extra fuel;
- If your skipper is drunk, do not go with them or let them control the boat; and if you require help at sea call the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) on phone 21609 or 27685 or the toll free phone 977; or call the RSIPF National Communication Centre on phone 23666 or the toll free phone 999.
– RSIPF Media
