Police at Lata in the Temotu Province are searching for two boats with nine people on board reportedly missing since Friday – 30 March 2018.
It is alleged that one of the boats, painted light blue with a red cabin powered by a 40 horse power (HP) Yamaha engine with three adult females and two males on board left Reef Islands on 30 March 2018 to travel to Lata, Santa Cruz Island and but have not arrived since then.
Another boat painted white with a blue cabin and powered by a black 40 HP engine, carrying four men all serving public servants, left Lata to travel for the Reef Islands on 30 March 2018. They have not arrived at their destination since then.
Temotu Provincial Police Operation Manager (Ops Manager) Inspector Lily Dagi said, “Officers at Lata and in the Reef Islands have started the search for the missing boats and people after the matter was reported to police at the Lata Police Station on Saturday 31 March 2018.”
Ops Manager Dagi said, “So far there has been no sighting of the missing boats and people as the search continues.”
“The bad weather including continuous rain and rough seas is making the search difficult and I appeal to any traveling vessels or boats to be on the lookout for the missing boats and people,” said Inspector Dagi.
Ops Manager Dagi has appealed to coastal communities in Temotu Province to also look out for these missing people and boats and report any sightings through VHF radio to Lata police or may call phone numbers 53023 or the Police free toll 999.
“I want to ask all people in the Temotu Province not to travel at sea during this time of bad weather unless it is absolutely necessary. Please consider your safety first before planning to travel by boat,” said Inspector Dagi.
– Police Media
