TWO men from Bougainville are still missing at sea after a boat trip to Taro, Choiseul provincial capital.
Their disappearance on Thursday had caused sadness amongst family members and local communities.
According to reports reaching the Solomon Star over the weekend, the two individuals reportedly left Bougainville early Thursday bound for Taro onboard a 60horse powered (HP) ray boat.
The trip was to buy cartons of beer at Taro and return to Bougainville.
Its believed after leaving Taro on their way back, they may have met bad weather – heavy rain, high swells and strong wind, resulting in their disappearance.
It was on Friday when a search operation was mounted by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) within the Border area of Shortlands. During the search some beer cans were spotted floating on the waters.
Local authorities in Choiseul together with community members and relatives have also been involved in the search and rescue efforts, scouring nearby waters and islands.
“We are doing everything we can, but so far there has been no sign of the boat or the two men,” a concerned community leader from Taro told the Solomon Star.
One of the victims is married to a woman from Choiseul who lives in Taro and operates a bottle shop business for years.
Over the weekend at least six boats from Bougainville have also conducted their own search operation but could not locate the duo.
The disappearance has also raised renewed calls for small boat operators to take extra precautions during inter-island travels particularly when the weather is not good.
The public is being urged to report any sightings or relevant information to the nearest police station or maritime authority.
Despite the two still at large relatives and families continue to pray and hope for a miracle.
BY AUGUSTINE PENEVOLOMO
Solomon Star, Gizo
