The worst maritime tragedy in PNG

IT was devastating to hear about the sinking of the mv Rabaul Queen on Feb 2 with about 350 passengers on board.
I have on numerous occasions travelled on board mv Rabaul Queen, Solomon Queen, Kimbe Queen and Kavieng Queen.
As such, I was stunned when I heard about this tragedy off Finschhafen in Morobe. 
I can imagine the decision one has to make on board a ship that sinking.
It would have been a frightening and daunting experience. 
Safety in the shipping industry in PNG is definitely lax. 
It is sad to know that some of our vessels are not seaworthy but they are still being used. 
This is uncalled for and something must be done about it to avoid any similar disaster from happening in the future. 
We don’t want to lose any more of our people in the ocean do we?
I would like to convey my condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. 
Our sympathies and prayers are with you all during this time of grief, confusion and loss.
And to the rescuers, I salute you all for a job well done. 
Thank you for putting your lives on the line and saving the survivors. 
God bless you and your families.  

Elijah Malpakam
Melbourne