Search continues for passenger missing after Air Niugini rescue

1:37 pm on 1 October 2018

Papua New Guinea's national carrier says a search continues in Micronesia for a passenger missing after last Friday's crash landing of an Air Niugini flight.

The Air Niugini plane in the lagoon off Weno airport in Chuuk.

The Air Niugini plane in the lagoon off Weno airport in Chuuk. Photo: AFP or licensors

The 737 was trying to land at Weno airport in Chuuk in the Federated States of Micronesia when it ended up in a nearby lagoon.

None of the 35 passengers or 12 crew aboard PX73 died, although several were seriously injured.

Survivors of the incident have praised the swift rescue efforts of locals on small boats, as well as some United States Navy divers who were close to the scene.

Air Niugini's chairman, Sir Kostas Constantinou, last night said one passenger remained unaccounted for.

But he said a subsequent inspection of the submerged cabin by the US Navy seals, supported reports that all passengers safely evacuated the aircraft at the time of the accident.

Air Niugini said local authorities and the airline were continuing to search for the missing passenger.

Most of the passengers and crew arrived back in Port Moresby last night.

Four passengers who were hospitalised in Chuuk have been transported to Guam for further treatment.