Foreigner found dead, another missing when boat capsized

By MIRIAM ZARRIGA
ONE man died and one is missing when the boat they were travelling on capsized in rough seas off Aitape, West Sepik, police say.
Provincial police commander Moses Ibsagi said the two foreigners from Malaysia went missing when the boat capsized.
“The boat was leaving a camp site at Serra, Aitape when (the engine) suddenly stopped during the rough weather on Friday,” he said.
“There were four people on board.
“As the skipper was trying to re-start the engine, a big wave hit the boat.
“The boat capsized. The skipper and the crew member managed to swim ashore.”
He said the body of one of the men had been found.
Meanwhile in Vanimo, a boat filled with school children also capsized on Saturday.
“The children were coming from Ningra via the Pual River when the boat capsized,” he said.
“The children all managed to swim back to shore.
“But they lost all their personal belongings and school fees.” He warned people not to travel by sea during bad weather.
“This is a time where the weather is unpredictable, the sea is rough, the wind is strong and we are experiencing a cyclone,” he said.
“Please do not try to travel out to sea.
“Be careful and stay safe at all times.”