Five people rescued at sea

FIVE people were rescued at sea in the St George’s Channel between New Ireland and New Britain after two boats they were travelling in capsized in rough seas last week.
East New Britain police commander Joseph Tabali said the incident happened on Jan 3 when the group was travelling from Kokopo in East New Britain to Namatanai in New Ireland.
“Two dinghies capsized in bad weather and police and disaster officials rescued the people. There were no causalities,” he said.
“The victims were taken to safety but lost their personal properties.”
Tabali claimed the people who were travelling had ignored bad weather warnings and took the risk in windy, rough conditions.
“I urge all boat operators in the province not to risk their lives and the lives of their passengers by going out to sea during bad weather,” Tabali said.
“Take heed of weather warnings and consult local disaster authorities before travelling at this time.”
On Dec 29, a tug boat belonging to a logging company in neighbouring West New Britain province ran aground on a reef off the coast of Kove-Kiliai local level government in bad weather.
There were no casualties but some on board were traumatised after they were forced to swim in rough seas before being rescued by other vessels.