4 still missing

By AILEEN KWARAGU
THE search for four Port Moresby-based fishermen who went missing a week ago has intensified, with requests for help sent out to the defence force and police.
Motu-Koita Assembly chairman Dadi Toka Jr said search parties sent out since Tuesday last week had come back “unsuccessful”. “The four have been missing for seven days now,” he said.
“(They are) family men (who) went trolling last Tuesday as any fishermen would do because that was their bread and butter. But the weather was not kind.”
Gaba Lohia, 31, Lohia Michael Nou, 18, Frank Doura, 35, and Maku Dai, 22, left Hanuabada in Port Moresby around 10 on Tuesday morning.
Motu Lohia, Gaba’s brother, told The National that they began their search on Tuesday night.
“Our search focused on the south east side of the coast following the direction of the wind,” Motu said.
Of the four, three are married. Gaba and Maku have one child each under the age of two.
Gaba’s wife Kathleen Morea said she just wanted her partner to return home to her and their 21-month old daughter.
“I have been crying since they started the search and all I want is for Gaba to return home to us,” she said.
Toka said Alotau MP Ricky Morris and the Milne Bay disaster unit had been alerted as search extended down the south-eastern coast, with searchers using 20 dinghies.
“Since they went trolling, and if there was engine failure, we assume they were pushed down towards Hula, Aroma Coast in Central or the border (with) Milne Bay,” Toka said.
The National Maritime Safety Authority, Water Police and villagers along the coast have also been involved in the search.
Defence Force commander Mark Goina assisted by Australian Defence Force’s Travis Gordon plan to organise an aerial search.
Motu said the major problem was fuel.
“Though we have received assistance from our village councillors and leaders, we still need more.”
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has warned people planning on going out to sea to be wary.