Photo: 123rf
The Solomon Islands prime minister is planning significant changes to improve safety at sea following reports that at least 17 people drowned at sea at the weekend.
The group of mostly young people was travelling from Malaita to Guadalcanal by banana boat.
Mannasseh Sogavare said the tragedy had elevated concerns to ensure sea travel is made safer.
He acknowledged that the Search and Resscue Division was short of funds and he promised to include additional money for the agency in the next budget.
He also directed the Ministry of Infrastructure to review the rules governing the manufacture of banana boats, the materials they are made out of and to ensure that certain safety features are made mandatory.
This would include requirements that the boats have life rafts, locator beacons, flares and clearly defined limits on passenger numbers and quantity of cargo.
Mr Sogavare said boat manufacturers and owners and operators could be held criminally liable if they fail to meet these requirements.
