Cops saved by divers after crash

 By ARMSTRONG SAIYAMA 

THREE policemen trapped inside a vehicle which plunged into the sea at Daru wharf in Western on Monday were saved by local divers.

Provincial police commander Silva Sika said the officers were rushed to the Daru hospital for treatment, and would be suspended pending an internal investigation.

They were travelling in the police 10-seater vehicle during a routine patrol when the accident happened.

Department of Transport maritime security inspectors were watching from a distance as the vehicle entered the port which was out of bounds to all vehicles. 

“Daru is an international ship and port facility security and access to the site is regulated at the entrance and restricted on the causeway leading to the jetty T-Head,” maritime security officer Sylvester Adema said.

The entrance to the port had been cordoned off to stop vehicles entering.

He said the officers did not have any right to enter the facility unless authorised by the port manager.

“However, the police vehicle on a routine patrol entered the jetty and passed through the restricted sign and headed towards the T-Head,” Adema said.

Eyewitnesses told The National that the vehicle entered the causeway from the barge ramp and sped towards the T-Head.

The vehicle failed to stop before the T-Head end and plunged into the sea.

Adema said local divers also retrieved two police-issue firearms and some beer cans in the vehicle.

But Sika said the divers 

also retrieved a police shot gun.  

He said the officers involved in the accident would be suspended and subjected to an police investigation.