Eight rescued after boat capsizes

 By DOROTHY MARK

EIGHT people have been rescued after their dinghy capsized some kilometres from an island in Madang.

But the dinghy’s skipper who tried to swim ashore with his two nephews to get help has been reported missing. His two nephews managed to reach the shore and raised the alarm.

Madang disaster and emergency office acting director Rudolf Mongallee said the 11 people had left their home on Bagabag Island on Monday morning and were travelling to Madang town.

At around 11.30am, they were nearing Pik Island when they ran out of fuel. A huge wave crashed on them, overturning the vessel.

Mongallee said the passengers managed to tie fuel containers around the boat to keep it afloat while the skipper and his two nephews swam towards Pik Island.

He said the skipper however could not swim further.

“The skipper could not continue, held his two nephews and prayed with them. He urged them to swim on and get help for the others,” Mongallee said.

He said the two were helped by people on Pik Island. They went to Kranget Island where they contacted the disaster office at around 6.45pm.

Mongalllee said arrangements were made on Monday night to send three dinghies plus Bagabag Island’s mv Dalau for the search.

He said the eight who were drifting at sea were located near Biliau village in Rai Coast at around 3am yesterday and brought to Madang town.