Twenty-seven people went missing following a maritime tragedy in Papua New Guinea where two boats capsized in rough seas off East New Britain, according to local authorities. The disaster, which occurred on a Saturday afternoon, has prompted recovery efforts across neighboring provinces as officials and community members search for survivors and victims along the Bismarck Sea coastline.
Search and Recovery Operations After Capsized Boats in the Bismarck Sea
According to disaster officials, the incident took place shortly after 3pm when twenty-seven individuals, including families with young children, were traveling on two boats returning from Pangpang Beach Resort. The vessels were journeying from Pigeon Island to Kokopo when they overturned in rough waters. The only known survivors are the two boat operators, who drifted for six hours before reaching Baai village, according to local reports.
The search effort has entered the recovery phase, with nine bodies discovered so far in neighboring New Ireland Province, according to regional officials. More than 20 boats operated by police, disaster teams, and local communities are actively searching coastlines and surrounding waters. However, New Ireland Governor Byron Chan stated that dangerous conditions, including strong winds and rough seas, are severely complicating recovery operations and keeping smaller vessels from reaching open water until the afternoon.
Community Vigils and Remote Island Discoveries
Ocean currents have carried several victims more than 200 kilometres north-west from East New Britain to Djaul Island in New Ireland, according to community accounts. Three days after the incident, villagers working in gardens discovered a mother, while an 18-year-old daughter was found later that night by a local boy. School teacher Michael Rangrang reported that islanders kept vigil beside the teenager’s body through the night, singing hymns and placing flowers on her as a final act of respect before authorities retrieved her the following morning.
Additional recoveries include an East New Britain Provincial Health Authority staff member found near Djaul Island, prompting health workers in Kavieng to form a guard of honour. On Thursday, five more bodies were recovered from Enang and Upuas in the Tigak group of islands, with another body found Friday morning, bringing the total recovered count to nine.
Did you know?
According to East New Britain Governor Michael Marum, this incident ranks among the worst maritime disasters in Papua New Guinea since the sinking of the Rabaul Queen ferry in 2012, which resulted in at least 140 deaths.
Official Response and Broader Maritime Safety Concerns
Surviving boat operators reported that a sudden swell lifted the stern of one boat, causing it to capsize and throw passengers into the water, while a second boat attempting a rescue also overturned. Police have dismissed early speculation of piracy. Meanwhile, Governor Byron Chan has requested support from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Navy to deploy larger vessels capable of handling the powerful currents that are sweeping victims past the islands.
The recent disaster coincides with other maritime incidents across the region, including a passenger boat carrying nine people that capsized while traveling from Muliama to Anir Island on July 14, leaving six missing, and a separate banana boat disappearance in Bougainville on July 18. Fisheries and Marine Resources Minister Jelta Wong emphasized that authorities need to enforce existing safety requirements, such as compulsory GPS trackers and life jackets, following these events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the boats to capsize off East New Britain?
According to surviving boat operators, sudden rough seas and a powerful swell lifted the stern of one vessel, causing it to overturn. A second boat that attempted a rescue also capsized when passengers tried to climb aboard.
How many people are still missing?
Authorities report that 27 people were initially missing. Search teams have recovered nine bodies in New Ireland Province, while search and recovery operations continue for the remaining individuals.
What safety measures are officials urging in response?
Minister Jelta Wong and regional leaders have called for stronger enforcement of maritime safety requirements, including mandatory life jackets and GPS trackers, while the PNG National Weather Service maintains strong wind warnings across the Bismarck Sea.
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