The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) is heavily involved in the search for 27 people reported missing on Saturday, 18 July 2026, near Pidgeon Island in East New Britain Province.
The missing group includes four staff members from the East New Britain Provincial Health Authority, along with their families and friends. Of the 27, 14 are adults, 11 are children, and two others.
The Provincial Disaster Office launched an immediate search after a Ward Member from Duke of York Local Level Government reported capsized boats at 4:51 p.m. on Saturday. However, no survivors were sighted during the initial response.
East New Britain Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Amanda Kates, confirmed that Police Patrol Vessel Manning and an RPNGC 90-horsepower boat were deployed on Sunday, 19 July, to assist in the search. Efforts have continued daily since then. Superintendent Kates also stated that police have opened a full inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Two survivors, both boat skippers, were reported to have gone ashore on the mainland were retrieved by police on Sunday and taken to Kokopo Police Station for interviews as part of the ongoing investigation.
Superintendent Kates thanked the R & M Marine Services Limited for their support in launching PPV Manning. She said that their contribution has been extremely valuable and appreciated by all.
The search expanded today with Manolos Aviation conducting targeted aerial sweeps of designated areas.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading false information or speculation, emphasizing the importance of relying solely on official updates given the sensitivity of the incident.
