NIPS ends boat mishap recovery

A 48-hour extended recovery operation by the New Ireland disaster office will conclude today, though local communities are on alert for any further sightings.

The New Ireland Provincial Government on Sunday handed over six more bodies in Kavieng, bringing the total number of repatriated victims to 13, while 14 others remain missing at sea.

During the official handover ceremony, New Ireland Governor Byron Chan, accompanied by Provincial Administrator Richard Andia and New Ireland Provincial Disaster Coordinator, Terence Tasia, formally handed over the bodies to East New Britain Governor Michael Marum.

Governor Chan conveyed his deepest condolences on behalf of the people of New Ireland and said the province stands with East New Britain during this difficult time. He also assured the province of New Ireland's support and said it is ready to help whenever disaster strikes.

To support relief and custom protocols, the New Ireland Provincial Executive Council presented East New Britain with K70,000 in financial assistance alongside traditional shell money [mis], delivered by chief executive officer of Economic Sector Edward Lasisi.

Accepting the assistance, Governor Marum thanked the people and volunteers of New Ireland for handling the deceased with immense dignity, respect and care.

Marum presented K10,000 directly to the local search and rescue volunteers, promising a formal thank you ceremony once all recovery efforts and formal proceedings conclude.

The tragic boat accident happened on Saturday, July 18, in East New Britain waters, where 27 lives were claimed.

According to New Ireland Provincial Disaster Coordinator, Terence Tasia, the first five bodies were recovered in the Tigak group of islands on Wednesday, July 22. Four more were found in the same area on Thursday, and a teenager's body was recovered on Salapiu Island on Friday, July 25. Three female bodies were among those recovered off Djaul Island.