While Airlifting Relief Supplies To Rendova Communities
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
A disaster relief mission nearly ended in tragedy late Friday afternoon when a helicopter delivering food supplies crashed into the sea between Munda and Rendova Island in Western Province.
However, in what many are describing as a miracle, the two pilots on board survived the and were safely rescued.
The helicopter was part of an ongoing relief operation shuttling between Munda and Rendova, transporting emergency food supplies to communities cut off by recent severe weather.
Reports say the aircraft was carrying 41 bags of rice for North Rendova when it went down just outside the Munda reef.
Despite the sudden crash, quick response efforts ensured that lives were saved and some supplies recovered.
The pilots were all pulled to safety, while part of the cargo was offloaded to a several outboard motor (OBM) boat from the National Disaster Management Office [NDMO] while the aircraft stay afloat ontop of water surface water.
The Civil Aviation Authority been informed of the incident and is expected to launch an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
The incident comes at a critical time for ongoing disaster relief efforts in Western Province, where air transport has been a key link in delivering food supplies to remote communities.
Despite the setback, relief coordinators have expressed relief that no lives were lost.
Meanwhile, NDMO said following the incident affecting a helicopter supporting ongoing emergency relief operations in Western Province, ongoing delivery of emergency supplies to affected communities on Rendova has continued.
NDMO in a statement issued on Saturday night confirmed that an aviation incident that occurred on Friday 18 April 2026 involving a helicopter supporting ongoing emergency relief operations in Western Province.
The statement said the incident only temporarily affected the delivery of emergency relief supplies.
“On board were two pilots and approximately 41 bags of rice (20kg each). Both pilots were safe, and no injuries have been reported.”
The aircraft was part of logistical support provided by the Australian Government to assist the Solomon Islands Government in the delivery of critical humanitarian supplies to affected communities where access by boat is not possible particularly in Western Provinces.
While the safety of personnel remains the highest priority, the incident temporarily disrupted the rapid delivery of emergency supplies to affected communities.
However, through swift action and strong coordination on the ground, the logistics team in Munda has effectively addressed the challenges arising from Friday’s helicopter incident and has now fully continued with the ongoing delivery of emergency supplies to affected communities.
NDMO acknowledges the continued support of the Australian Government and all partners involved in the response effort.
Efforts are underway to minimize delays and maintain the flow of essential supplies to those in need.
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