Infant amongst survivors of Madang boating incident
An infant and an eleven-year-old boy were amongst survivors of a boating incident between Raikos and Madang on Friday, police confirmed.
Provincial Police Commander for Madang, Superintendent Robert Baim revealed that a motorised dinghy carrying 18 people, including the operator, departed Saidor Station at 7am yesterday and was three hours into the trip when they encountered rough seas at Tabalip Point, 18 nautical miles south of Madang Town.
All 18 persons were thrown into the sea when the boat capsized.
"They were adrift for about five years or until 3pm when a passing vessel that was travelling to Raikos spotted them and rescued 10 of them. They were immediately taken to the provincial hospital for medical assessment.
"A second search and rescue operation was subsequently conducted, during which a further five survivors were located and rescued, brining the total number of survivors rescued or located to 15 persons out of the original 18 persons on board," PPC Baim said.
According to medical officers at Modilon Hospital, the survivors who were assessed were generally in good condition, with no serious injuries or medical conditions reported.
Some survivors experienced general fatigue and tiredness and were medically cleared.
Superintendent Baim added that three persons remain unaccounted for.
They include 1 male adult, 1 adult female; and another 11-year-old boy.
The three missing persons are believed to have entered the water wearing yellow life jackets and reportedly swam in the direction of the Bilbil area.
Police have notified Ileg Police Outpost and requested assistance in alerting coastal communities in the Bugati area and the wider Astrolabe Bay region to remain vigilant and immediately report any sighting or information concerning the missing persons.
Superintendent Baim said the incident highlights the serious dangers posed by unsafe marine travel, particularly when vessels are operated beyond their safe capacity or when operators fail to properly assess sea and weather conditions.
“The safety of passengers and crew must remain the highest priority whenever travelling by sea.
"Overloading a dinghy or small craft can make the vessel unstable and significantly increase the risk of an accident, particularly in rough weather or challenging sea conditions,” Baim added.
Baim, meanwhile; has also directed Water Police to begin fully enforcing the Small Crafts Act and its regulations, warning that operators who disregard marine safety requirements will face the full force of the law.
He said continued incidents are concerning because awareness programs have been repeatedly conducted amongst coastal communities and marine operators.
“Despite repeated awareness programs, we continue to see incidences that can be avoided if operators and passengers strictly comply with safety requirements. Everyone using small crafts must take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of others,” he stated.
Dinghy operators and skippers are reminded to,
- Know and comply with their vessel's approved safe passenger capacity.
- Never overload passengers or cargoes.
- Ensure the vessel is seaworthy and operated safely and responsibly.
- Ensure appropriate safety equipment, including life jackets, is available and used.
- Take appropriate safety precautions before and during every trip.
- Check sea and weather conditions before departure.
- Avoid unnecessary risks when sea and weather conditions become unsafe.
- Ensure passengers comply with all applicable marine safety requirements.
- Immediately respond appropriately to emergencies and notify relevant authorities when an incident occurs.
Passengers are also encouraged to speak up if they believe a vessel is dangerously overloaded or being operated in an unsafe manner.
Superintendent Baim warned that persons who disobey the Small Crafts Act and its regulations may face enforcement action, including arrest and legal proceedings where applicable.
“Skippers have a responsibility to operate their vessels safely and within their approved passenger capacity. Carrying more passengers than a vessel can safely accommodate puts lives at unnecessary risk,” he said.
The Madang Provincial Police Command is also urging coastal communities in the Saidor, Bugati, Bilbil and wider Astrolabe Bay areas to remain alert and immediately notify Police, maritime responders or other relevant authorities if they see or receive information about the three missing persons.
He said police will continue working with relevant authorities, maritime responders, and coastal communities to support search and rescue efforts, promote responsible marine transport, and strengthen compliance with marine safety requirements throughout the province.
PPC Baim's message to the people of Madang is to protect lives, comply with the law, and travel safely.
"Safe seas save lives," Baim stated.