Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Honiara are continuing with the search for a missing person who was alleged to be drowned at the Mataniko River on 19 April 2018.
Supervising Assistant Commissioner Solomon Sisimia said, “I know there are claims that the RSIPF is doing little in the search for the missing man. In fact the police search has been redirected on the night of Thursday 19 April, after receiving information from Tuvaruhu residents that a man was sighted floating down the strong running water earlier in the afternoon.
He added: “It is for this reason, police did not focus their search inland as far the waterfall area, instead concentrated along the river banks, downstream and coastal areas and out in the seas.”
“The police maritime have been doing sea patrol from coastal areas as far as Lunga in Central Guadalcanal and to Kakabona and Visale areas in North West Guadalcanal,” said AC Sisimia.
“The Fire and Rescue officers were also engaged in the search operation as they have swifter water rescue equipment which can be used to rescue people,” added Supervising AC Sisimia.
Additionally, two local OBM (Outboard motor) canoes powered with 40HPS were also assisting RSIPF search party on Thursday night 19 April until early Friday morning. Police would like to thank the boat owners for supporting RSIPF during the night coastal search.
“About two survivors alleged to be in their wet cloths overnight while with police for providing their statements, is not true. In fact they were released during the night and they were not arrested or referred to, as detained.
“They were being brought to provide information to assist police in their search of the missing person and to assist with police investigation,” said AC Sisimia.
He thanked members of the communities at Tuvaruhu, especially Church leaders for their help rendered in locating the three survivors.
Currently, the RSIPF, the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau and relatives of the missing person have reached a common understanding and are assisting police with the search.
A local woman was found offshore near the South Sea Evangelical Church (SSEC) compound in Central Honiara on evening, 19 April 2018.
Supervising Assistant Commissioner (AC) of RSIPF, Solomon Sisimia said, “The search for the missing is continuing and we further appeal to members of the public to provide police with information that may assist with police investigation.”
– Police Media
