Veteran mariner calls for safer sea travel as rough weather peaks

Papua New Guinea is now in the most dangerous period of the year for sea travel, and veteran Chief Marine Pilot Captain Max Stossel is urging people to avoid unnecessary journeys as rough weather continues across the country.

Drawing on decades of experience in the maritime industry, Captain Stossel said the country is experiencing the peak of the south-easterly monsoon season, which runs from May to October and brings strong trade winds, rough seas and large waves, particularly along the north and south coastlines.

He explained that Papua New Guinea experiences two monsoon seasons every year. The north-westerly monsoon, from December to March, brings heavy rain and thunderstorms, while the south-easterly monsoon creates stronger winds that make sea travel especially dangerous for small boats.

His warning comes after several recent maritime accidents, including the East New Britain incident involving 27 people, the rescue of eight people from a drifting dinghy off Madang by Pacific Towing's tug Koranga, and other incidents reported in Manus, Milne Bay and Western Province.

Captain Stossel said these incidents should serve as a reminder for people to pay close attention to weather forecasts before travelling.

"We are now in the peak of the south-easterly monsoon. These are strong seasonal winds, and if people do not need to travel, they should wait until the weather improves," he said.

Captain Stossel said many people continue to rely on small fibreglass dinghies, commonly known as banana boats, because they are often the only means of transport available to coastal and island communities.

He explained that these boats have a small draft, meaning only a small part of the hull sits below the water. While this makes them suitable for calm coastal waters and rivers, it also makes them light and less stable in rough seas.

According to Captain Stossel, when banana boats are overloaded with passengers and cargo, they are no match for strong winds and heavy waves.

"A banana boat is simply too light to compete with strong winds and big waves. Once it is overloaded, the risk of capsizing becomes much higher," he said.

Captain Stossel said many people are not travelling for leisure but because they need to reach hospitals, schools, banks, government offices and markets.

He said the lack of basic services in many remote communities forces people to travel even during dangerous weather conditions.

He believes the long-term solution is for the government to improve essential services in rural areas while investing in safer and more reliable passenger ferry services.

Captain Stossel said larger ferries are designed for open sea conditions, are more stable, carry trained crews and lifesaving equipment, and can safely transport more passengers than small dinghies.

"If we want to reduce the number of lives lost at sea, we must invest in proper ferry services and improve basic services in our rural communities. People should not have to risk their lives just to reach a hospital or buy food," he said.

"Airlines are becoming too expensive. Ferry service is the only solution. That's the only solution; there's no other solution. Banana boat is not the solution. Government should seriously look into this."

Captain Stossel also said stronger public awareness and responsible decision-making by boat operators and passengers are essential, especially during the current peak monsoon season.

He urged all coastal travelers to check weather forecasts, carry lifejackets for every passenger, and delay travel whenever sea conditions are unsafe. He said one careful decision before leaving the shore could save many lives.