By Meleasie Goviro – EMTV News, Port Moresby
The search for three fishermen from Hanuabada Village in Port Moresby, who were reported missing on Tuesday (June 12) continues. Two of five fishermen who had gone out on Monday (June 11) survived the ordeal, and are still in a state of shock.
Prominent community representatives, Dadi Toka Jnr and Lohia Boe Samuel are currently coordinating the search operations with the help of locals. Since the five fishermen departed from their homes on Monday to go fishing, only two of the men were fortunate to survive and are still too traumatised to speak of their ordeal.
Frank Ida, is the father of two of the fishermen. Unfortunately, only one of his sons returned.
Maritime authorities responsible for the coordination of search and rescue operations, the Water Police and National Maritime Authority, have not been forthcoming with information about search and rescue operations. Both parties say they are waiting on approval to deploy a team.
Meanwhile, vocal community representatives Dadi Toka Jnr and Lohia Boe Samuel are coordinating search and rescue operations. Various organisations and individuals alike have contributed to supply fuel to support the search.
According to locals, 24 banana boats have already been deployed.
Dadi Toka Jnr said the incident reflected negligence on poor living standards of people living in Hanuabada Village. The family of the missing men say they continue to hold on to the hope that the fishermen are still alive. While maritime authorities have not indicated any support yet, the search operations coordinated by the community can only continue as long as there is fuel supply for their boats.
