Three missing people return to PNG
(L-R) Darrell Tokiapron, Francis-Mitchelle Tokiapron and Horen Kapeatu, Member for North Bougainville, Francesca Semoso, Quentin Talingapua, Sylvester and Rudy (family of the two Tokiapron survivors) (Supplied)
The three people who went missing for 70 days, were finally repatriated from the Republic of Kiribati and returned to Papua New Guinea today.
The safe repatriation of Horan Kapeatu, Francis-Mitchelle Tokiapron and Darrell Tokiapron who come from the Nissan Island in Bougainville, was supported by National Member for North Bougainville, Francesca Semoso and Regional Member, Peter Tsiamalili Jr.
The safe repatriation of these three survivors was led by two officials, Quentin Talingapua, Cordinator of ABG Directorate of Disaster & Emergency and Sylvester Vakore from the PNG Immigration and citizenship services authority.
According to one of the survivors, Francis-Mitchelle Tokiapron, they started drifting away from Nissan Island right after they had run out of fuel.
"On that day, fuel finished so we drifted on the sea towards Lihir Island," said Francis-Mitchelle.
He said while out at sea, the three of them had to survive on what little they had and had to drink salt water when they became thirsty.
"We ate fish, turtle and shard and drank the sea when were thirsty," he said.
Mitchelle also said they are very happy to be back home and look forward to seeing their families again.
Member for North Bougainville, Francesca Semoso, who was also present to welcome the three missing people, said she is very happy for their safe return.
"Thankyou to these three for not giving up. Your families are very excited and waiting for you at home,' said Semoso.
She also thanked the Marape-Rosso Government, Immigration Office here in PNG, Disaster Buka and the people of Kiribati for looking after the three PNG Nationals.
Semoso described the repatriation as a humanitarian obligation and urged the people of Papua New Guinea to take precaution while traveling by sea to avoid future incidents like this one.
"The money we used for the repatriation of these three people, was not an easy decision especially with the current El Nino. People were questioning why we had to spend this amount of money for this mission. Humanity is about people,' said semoso.