Sir Puka moves to salvage stricken vessel

By BOSORINA ROBBY
MEMBER for Abau Sir Puka Temu has arranged for mv Abau, which sank off the coast of Central last Thursday, to be salvaged.
Tug boats and cranes belonging to a timber company would be used to salvage the vessel.
The mv Abau was travelling from Kupiano to Egala’auna when it ran into trouble. On board were Sir Puka and other district leaders who were on their way to their joint district planning and budget priorities committee meeting, plus students from Kupiano High School, and other passengers.
Sir Puka said as they approached Walaivele Island, huge waves lifted the vessel and tipped it over.
He said Walaivele was known for its huge waves that had overturned canoes and boats in the past.
Sir Puka said mv Abau could carry 40 passengers and 20 tonnes of cargo but, last Thursday, there had been more people than cargo on board.
“When hit by the wave, the boat took a while to sink, which saved us, giving us time to get out,” he said.
“We were lucky that Iruone villagers paddled out in their canoes and helped us to safety.”
Sir Puka said a dinghy was saved from the boat, and took other passengers including five women and elderly people to safety.
Sir Puka said once on dry land, they were given clothes and started their meeting.
He said they were lucky no one was injured.
“Early tomorrow morning (today), the boys will go and see what they can do to try and lift that boat out of the water,” he said.
The National Maritime Safety Authority had been alerted of the mishap and is investigating to determine the cause of the accident.