29 Dec 2010

Eight inmates escape Vanuatu prison

4:17 pm on 29 December 2010

Eight high-risk Vanuatu prisoners, who have escaped from the maximum security prison in Port Vila, are still on the run.

The Vanuatu Correctional Services in Port Vila says the eight escaped during Family Day celebrations on Monday evening.

They include Paul Shem who was recaptured in May, after being on the run for more than a year.

The Director of the Vanuatu Correctional Services, Johnny Marango, has told the Daily Post it appears the prisoners cut open the mesh wire in a recreational hall and then jumped over a fence and made their escape.

He says only two staff were on duty at the time of the escape when there should have been four officers.

Mr Marango says a full investigation has been launched.