18 Jun 2013

Probe underway in Solomon Islands into barge sinking

1:43 pm on 18 June 2013

Senior maritime officials in Solomon Islands are hoping to complete an investigation today into the sinking of a barge believed to be carrying logs to the capital Honiara.

The six crew on board the LC Global Lesterie were rescued by a container vessel from their life raft on Sunday, after first reports came through a week earlier that they were in trouble.

There are reports the barge had earlier been detained for failing to meet safety standards.

The acting Director of the Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration, Jonah Mitau, says this is part of the investigation.

"Actually the report we had, it's not confirmed is that they carried logs. They left San Jorge which is on Isabel and they were travelling to Honiara. We believe and it is confirmed that the landing craft sank. At the moment the investigation is continuing. It should be completed today."

Jonah Mitau says the Global Lesterie is owned by Mighty Tiasa, which is a logging company operating out of Malaysia.

The six crew were discharged from hospital yesterday morning.