Fast boat saves 10 in New Ireland

TEN people on board a motorised dinghy are lucky to be rescued after they encountered engine problems in open seas between Tanga and Lihir islands, New Ireland, on Tuesday night.
Rescued by the provincial government fast boat mv Autonomy at 7.30pm, the dinghy had encountered engine problems after leaving Tanga for Lihir.
Acting provincial administrator Monovi Amani said the vessel was on patrol to Lihir and was able to respond quickly to the call by the islanders.
The islanders were brought safely to Lihir.
He called on islanders and those who use sea transport to take heed of wind warnings, especially after the ship tragedy off Morobe’s coast.
Amani said given the speed and versatility of the government fast boat, it had reduced travelling time and allowed more time for active patrols by government officers.
The mv Autonomy delivered malaria drugs to Tanga health centre, ferried the team paying old and disabled pensions and transported an Australian Doctors International patrol team to Palie for a 10-day rural patrol of the main islands of Malie, Masahet, and Mahur.