Call to ban school picnics after student disappears at sea

Education authorities in Madang have been urged to ban all school picnics after a young man went missing off Pik Island.

Chairman of Madang's Lutheran Day Primary School Board, Stanley Gaan, made the call following the incident last Friday.

More than 70 school students from urban schools were stranded on Pik Island, a famous picnic location outside Madang Town, after their pick-up boat did not arrive.

A student, Elison Nobby, 21, is still missing at sea after he decided to swim to the nearest island but never made it.

Mr Gaan said some of the children go out to such outings without the consent of their parents or teachers.

"Even if their parents say no, children sneak off and make their own arrangements. Most times, they indulge themselves in unlawful behaviors, including drinking homebrew and smoking marijuana," he said.

Such behaviour is unbecoming, and parents have been called on to be more vigilant over their children and to always ensure their whereabouts is known

It's also been urged that school picnics are supervised by teachers and parents.

A local from Krangket island, Robert Banasi who organised the resuce of the students has supported the call by Mr Gaan.

He called on the education division to immediately put a stop to all school outings.

The search is continuing for the missing student from Biwat in East Sepik.