Picture by Lavinia Ano teacher at Dajul Primary School Piliva village Dajul Island.
By Wasita Royal and Benson Wema
Two bodies have now been recovered from last Saturday’s boating tragedy off Pidgeon Island in East New Britain; while 25 remain missing.
The first body, identified as Mrs. Melat Bungtabu Victor of Malakuna village in Kokopo district, was retrieved on Tuesday evening and taken to Nonga Hospital morgue.
The second body was recovered this morning and flown to Rabaul. Authorities are yet to release the identity of the second victim.
Both were recovered from Djaul Island in New Ireland Province, where they had washed ashore.
East New Britain Provincial Administrator and Chairman of the Provincial Disaster Committee, Levi Mano said the second deceased is yet to be idebtified.
“The deceased is currently at the Nonga hospital morgue awaiting further investigations,” Mano said.
Director of East New Britain Province (ENBP) Disaster and Emergency Services Donald Tokunai said, his team are working with Djaul locals to assist in retrieving the bodies from the sea to dry land.
“We recovered the first body yesterday from Djaul, and this morning we recovered the second body,” Tokunai said.
Director Tokunai explained that they are currently combining the search and rescue mission with recovery efforts until a debriefing is conducted to decide whether to call off the SAR operation and proceed solely with search and recovery.
“As soon as the bodies are recovered, they will be taken to the hospital to undergo police processes and protocols,” Tokunai explained.
“Once that is complete, they will advise the Provincial Disaster Committee and recommend whether the bodies should be handed over to their families.”
Captain Jurgen Ruh of the Mountain Area Medical Airlift Foundation, who piloted the helicopter missions, commended the people of Djaul Island for their dignity and compassion toward the deceased.
“People from Djaul helped to load the helicopter and were most respectful throughout; they’ve shown great respect towards an unknown deceased washed up on their shores;” Captain Ruh said.
He said unconfirmed reports have emerged of a possible third body sighted in the same area. Authorities are yet to verify the information, but search teams are expected to investigate on today and tomorrow’s operations.
Of the 27 people on board the two capsized vessels-14 adults and 11 children-only two skippers have been found alive.
The five officers from East New Britain Provincial Health Authority confirmed among the passengers are Manuel Sialis and his wife Relvie Talpar, Raymond Maramun, Carol Malisa, and Clive Peni.
They were travelling with their children and other relatives.
The families of the missing remain in agonizing wait as search efforts continue.
Mano confirmed that aerial search and rescue operations will be, following potential routes mapped using ocean currents. He has appealed to coastal communities from ENB to Namatanai district in New Ireland to remain on high alert.
“I request the people to be on alert in their communities, as we still need to retrieve 25 more of the missing passengers that were on board the two boats involved in the mishap.”
Residents along the coast have been asked to report any debris or sightings to the Provincial Disaster Office immediately.
The Provincial Government has also reiterated its appeal to the public to avoid spreading speculation on social media and to rely only on official updates.
As the recovery operation enters its fifth day, the East New Britain Provincial Administration has acknowledged the efforts of all agencies, community leaders, search teams, and volunteers. The people of Djaul Island have been especially praised for their humanity in the face of tragedy.
