EYE-WITNESSES say a landing craft washed ashore in the Langalanga lagoon last week when it developed mechanical problem was looted of all its contents.
Villagers stormed the boat after it rested on their shoreline.
“All cargoes and valuables were removed,” an eye-witness told the Solomon Star.
“Nothing was left on board,” the eye-witness added.
“As soon as they realised the boat has mechanical problem, they jumped on board and removed whatever they could lay their hands on.”
The landing craft was on its way to Auki from Honiara when it developed the problem.
The eye-witness, who was travelling on board, described the act as “daylight robbery”.
Cargoes are for the Chinese shops in Auki.
Some crew members also complained of losing their personal valuables.
Police arrived to secure the boat the next day but by that time, all cargoes have been removed.
Acting Provincial Police Commander, Malaita, Peter Kinita says they have not made any arrests.
“We are waiting for the owner of the boat, Silent World, to lodge a complaint,” Kinita said.
“When they do, police will investigate the matter and make possible arrests,” he added.
““We already have a video clip and photographs of some of the people who were involved in the looting.
“So it’s easy to identify and arrest those looters.”
The landing craft has since been rescued and towed to a shipyard at Tulagi, Central Province.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
in Auki
