I was sad to read a report by Radio New Zaland today, Saturday, that Police and maritime officials in Solomon Islands say the operation to find 13 people still missing at sea has now moved from a search and rescue to a recovery exercise.
Quote.
Fourteen people including children had left Gizo for the Shortland Islands on New Year's Day but failed to reach their destination.
The body of a woman was found near Zinoa Island on Tuesday - about 100 kilometres from the Shortlands.
Solomons' head of maritime Thierry Nervale said the chances of finding anyone alive after six days are slim.
"It's something that we are taking into account because what we are running with our drifting models is the quality of the water. Hopefully maybe some people are still floating on objects in the water. But the probability to find people alive seems to be very very low," he said.
Police remind people of safety when at sea
Police have re-emphasized the importance of putting safety first when travelling at sea, especially long distances in open sea.
In a statement, police reminded the public of safety points to remember before traveling.
They included planning trips and letting a member of the family know where people were going and what time they expected to arrive at their destination.
"Check the weather on SIBC or call the Met Service on the toll free 933; or phones 36310 or 24219.
"If you start your trip and the weather becomes bad, seek shelter until the sea is calm. Make sure your boat is seaworthy and your out board motor is serviced and maintained.
"Know your skipper. Make sure they are experienced in driving boats; Do not overload your boat. Wear life jackets. Take food and water, paddles, first-aid kit, anchor and rope, mirror to signal others, tools, nd
"If your skipper is drunk, do not go with them or let them control the boat; and If you require help, at sea call the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) on phone 21609 or 27685 or the toll free phone 977; or call the RSIPF National Communication Centre on phone 23666 or the toll free phone 999."
Police said safety at sea starts with one person and if people were not too sure, they should stay ashore.
End of quote.
Copyright @ 2021, Radio New Zealand.
Footnote.
I have been contacted by a sea captain with over 350,000 nautical miles experience living in the Solomon Islands and who has, in the past, installed safety and communications equipment in Temotu that has saved the lives of many venturing out to sea.
The captain has offered to travel to Honiara to meet with government officials and help draw up the kind of legislation that is clearly needed.
I would be willing to put government officials in touch with the gentleman who desires to aid the SIG in bringing in the safety instructions as soon as possible.
Please write to me via the link on my website – www.solomonislandsinfocus.com, or contact me via email - yahoo2002@yahoo.com.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
