Four foreign sailing boats have made a surprising stopover at Auki Harbour this week as part of their journey to Ontong Java, Malaita Outer Island.
For many youths and children in Auki’s coastal communities, the sudden show-up of the yachts was exciting because it was their first time to witness four yachts arriving at the same time and docking inside the harbor.
Details about the crews aboard the vessels remain unclear.
However, reports indicated that these sailing boats are primarily used by tourists from Australia, who are traveling to Ontong Java in the Malaita Outer Islands.
The tourists were seen shopping in Auki town as part of their preparations for the next leg of their journey.
When contacted, Malaita Province Tourism Officer Sonia Fiumae stated that her office was unaware of the arrival of the foreign sailing ships.
She stressed that if the visit was related to tourism, her office should have been informed.
“My office did not know about the arrival of these foreign ships,” Ms. Fiumae said.
She added that the information she received suggests the sailing vessels are on a mission to Ontong Java in the Malaita Outer Islands.
Ms Fiumae further explained that the ships had berthed in Auki briefly to purchase supplies before continuing their voyage.
She expressed surprise at the arrival of the tourist sailing boats, noting the lack of prior information about their visit.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
Photo caption: Sailing boats anchoring in Auki harbour. Photo supplied
