By Meleasie Goviro – National EMTV News, Port Moresby
A young couple from East Sepik Province who were rescued by fisherman in Tana Mera Bay West of Jayapura over the weekend are now in the care of the PNG General Consulate in Jayapura.
In a telephone interview with EMTV today (June 19), PNG Consul-General Geoffrey Wiri gave a brief update on their current situation.
Ori Nauk, 27 and his wife Graytale Sausanbandu, 19, were travelling from Koil Island, East Sepik province to Wewak, when they ran out of fuel.
The couple is currently recovering from dehydration among other medical conditions, after drifting for eight days, with only dried sago for food.
According to Mr Wiri, Ori’s wife Graytale was 8 months pregnant and had unfortunately lost her unborn child during the ordeal.
Mr Wiri told EMTV that the mother is currently awaiting surgery for the baby to be removed from her womb.
Ori is being treated for fish bites in his leg that he sustained during their days drifting out at sea.
The Consul is now working closely with local immigration and border authorities to get the deceased baby’s body cleared to cross the border over to Vanimo along with the parents.
Mr Wiri said Graytale’s father has been contact and her family is aware of their situation.
