POLICE have confirmed that a ray boat discovered at Dai Islands in North Malaita belongs to a villager from Yandina, while the 40-horsepower Yamaha engine attached to it is the property of the Yandina Clinic in Central Province.
Malaita Province Police Commander Michael Ramosaea disclosed this during an interview with Solomon Star on Monday.
Mr Ramosaea said reports received by his office indicated that the boat is owned by a Yandina villager, while the outboard motor belongs to the Yandina Clinic.
However, information reaching this paper yesterday suggested that more than three people were travelling on board the boat at the time of the incident.
According to Mr Ramosaea, three people who were rescued at sea by fishermen in Isabel Province were passengers from the same boat.
The ray boat and Yamaha engine are currently being held at the Auki Police Station.
Police said the boat and engine were discovered at Dai Islands on January 4, 2026, by villages and were later reported to Auki Police on January 6, 2026.
The boat was found abandoned, with no one on board. Only a pair of slippers and two bags of betel nut were found inside the vessel.
Mr Ramosaea said police investigations are ongoing, describing the circumstances surrounding the discovery as suspicious.
He added that police are still receiving reports related to the incident.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
