Locals urge govt to build maritime centre

LOCALS at the notorious Bombongara area just off Siassi and Finschhafen coastlines, in which mv Rabaul Queen sank last month, say it is important that the government seriously consider building a new modern maritime emergency response centre to effectively respond to accidents in the Bismarck and Solomon seas.
The ordinary Papua New Guineans raised their concern and made the proposal following the worst maritime disaster. There is a need for a modern maritime emergency response centre different from the provincial disaster and emergency services centre.
Finschhafen local and chairman of Talair compound resident, Nelson Jetura, said the proposed modern centre should have a state-of-the-art communication system, fully-equipped rescue boats and specially trained personnel attached to it.
“Because an increasing number of ships have sank over the years at this location including mv Simbang, a Moorehead Shipping barge and Rabaul Queen, we call this place the second Bermuda triangle,” he said.
He said the centre should be built at centrally-located Gidu point, just off the famous Bombongara area which is renowned nationwide for its rough seas and currents.
“According to local knowledge, the Bombongara has six different currents and the increasing number of people missing there over the years has made it a very dangerous place for sea travellers in the country,” he said.
On top of that, Jetura said, the national government should now make compulsory through laws that every small sea vessel, including banana boats, should pass safety requirements like having life jackets on board.
He conveyed his condolence to families and relatives of those passengers who are still unaccounted for by authorities.
Jetura thanked the overseas ships, Australians and the national government for their assistance.