Operator hopes industry survives

 TOUR company operator Tim Vincent is praying that the killing of two porters and the attack on eight expatriate trekkers on the Black Cat Trail do not destroy the trekking industry.

The eight expatriates – seven Australians and a New Zealander – returned quietly to Australia last week without speaking to the local media.

Vincent’s company, Wau Adventures, has suspended activities for an indefinite period following last Tuesday’s incident.

“The concern is the porters,” he told The National.

“There were seven injured and two dead. They were taken directly by helicopter from Banis Donkey (site of the attack) to Angau Hopital in Lae.

“Most of them are stable, however, there’s a possibility that two may lose their legs.”

Wau Adventures works directly with PNG Trekking Adventures, the large trekking company that brought in the eight trekkers and 18 porters who were attacked.

Vincent said since the Black Cat started bringing in tourists in 2003, people in remote villages along the trail were, for the first time, enjoying the benefits of tourism.