Police confirm three missing persons from Choiseul found safe in Isabel Province
Taro police have confirmed that three individuals who were reportedly missing on Sunday, 5 April 2026, during the Tropical Cyclone (TC) Maila in Wagina have been found safe in Isabel Province.
The trio, who were part of a group of four traveling by an outboard motor to buy beer on their way back to Wagina, encountered the bad weather with their engine running out of fuel.
Upon reaching the passage, a member of the group swam ashore to arrange for fuel, and by the time he returned, the other three had gone missing.
Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Choiseul Province Superintendent Berry Pogesopa says, “While he was on land, strong winds and rough seas caused the boat with the remaining three occupants to drift away from shore.”
PPC Pogesopa said the three individuals drifted at sea for approximately four days before safely reaching shore in Kia Village on 9 April 2026. Arrangements are currently being made to return them to Choiseul Province as soon as weather conditions permit safe travel.
Police are reminding the public to stay ashore and be cautious with the current bad weather situation. This incident serves as a strong warning not to underestimate the power of nature.
PPC Pogesopa emphasizes, “Past experiences have shown that lives can be lost during severe weather, and all individuals are urged to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel unless conditions are officially declared safe by the authorities.”
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