Three missing on diving trip

A FATHER, his son and a nephew are missing since they went diving for beche-de-mer in Manus last Sunday, police commander Chief Insp David Yapu says.
“I am not ruling the possibility of sea piracy (causing their disappearance),’’ he said.
Chief Insp Yapu said all three were from the from Maso ward on Bipi Island.
“A father, 50 years old, his son, 18 years old and his nephew, who is only 14 years old, went out last Sunday, on a 19-foot banana boat to the western reef to dive,’’ Chief Insp Yapu said.
“And (they) were supposed to return but they failed to turn up on the island.
“The wife raised the alarm and villagers went out and searched but could not locate them.
“The reef itself is about 22 miles away from Bipi Island.
“All the villagers found was their names written on a tree and an empty Toshiba torch on the beach.
“Police spent a night and returned the next day due to shortage of fuel.
“It’s over a week now.
“The National Maritime Services Authority have advised travelling vessels to look out for the three.
“I want to appeal to the people of the outer islands to take precaution when going out to sea to dive for sea cucumbers.
“Be careful, your safety is important.’’