Administrator Tubal reproves ship owner

EAST New Britain provincial administrator Akuila Tubal is unhappy with the Rabaul Shipping for resuming shipping operations right after the ill-fated incident of mv Rabaul Queen along the coast of Morobe last month.
He was addressing seven survivors, relatives of late three-year-old Isimel Burua who perished in the incident, and a crowd at Vunapope diocesan hall yesterday, during the survivor’s ecumenical service.
He had heard of the company’s sister ship mv Kimbe Queen’s mishap in Bialla waters on Wednesday.
“Two weeks ago when owner Peter Sharp wrote to me for the ship to start sailing, I appealed to him not to for some time.
“That is to let survivors and their relatives including those still missing heal from the incident in Morobe,” he said.
He said government authorities through the NMSA must inform the public and appropriate authorities if these ferries were in good condition to give services to people.
Tubal urged the NMSA to clearly state its functions in the country.
“These are questions we are asking and we want answers,” he said.
About 56 people from ENB are still missing and their names were also announced during the service.
The body of Burua was taken to Tinganalom village for burial.
After the service the crowd proceeded to Vunapope wharf to witness the laying of wreaths and flowers on a raft.
Candles on the raft were lit and it was sent out to sea with the support of a boat.