Water police rescued 10 at sea

TEN people who ran out of fuel while travelling from Saidor to Madang were rescued by the Madang water police last Monday.
Madang police commander acting Supt Mazuc Rubiang said police were notified by a caller from the Catholic Mission in Madang about the boat’s predicament out in the open sea.
He said water police officers, with the assistance of other police units headed to area to help.
The officers took fuel provided by the Catholic Mission.
The officers headed for Bilbil Island, an hour’s boat ride from Madang town to find the boat.
Supt Rubiang thanked his officers for their effort. Despite not having equipment to track boats, they managed to locate the boat with its passengers and escorted them to Madang town.
“It’s our job to protect the lives and properties and I am proud that you did that,” he said.
Supt Rubiang also warned boat operators to be safety conscious while out in the sea.
He said adequate preparations had to be made before leaving on trips. Supt Rubiang said boats needed to carry enough fuel, food, water and safety equipment.
He said Madang water police did not have large boats with navigational aids such as GPS, compasses, lights and extra rations to properly respond to all emergency calls.