Sixteen people rescued at sea in WP
Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) in Western Province (WP), with the support from the local boat owners, helped rescue sixteen people at sea between Vella La Vella Island on 18 May 2026.
The rescue came after police received a distress call for help after two people from the same boat, which totalled eighteen passengers, swam ashore and reported the incident to the Parakasi Police Station for help.
RSIPF Commissioner Mr Ian Vaevaso said eighteen passengers were on board from Irigila Village and travelled to Gizo to attend the funeral service of their late grandmother, and the boat capsized between Liapari and Jari Island.
Commissioner Vaevaso said, among those eighteen passengers, eleven were adults (7 male, 4 female), and seven children under the age of five were on board a 23-foot ray boat powered by a 60-horsepower engine.
“I want to remind our good sea travellers to try to consider loading capacity and other sea safety tips before travelling,” said Mr Vaevaso.
The police chief reminds boat owners and skippers of the importance of sea safety. Before you travel, please plan your trip properly.
He said, “Plan your trip and let at least a member of your family know where you are going and what time you expect to arrive. Check the weather by calling the Met Service on phone 23658 or toll-free 933.”
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 OBM is serviced and maintained. Know your skipper. Make sure they are experienced in driving boats.
Safety at sea starts with you. IF YOU ARE NOT TOO SURE, STAY ASHORE.
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