Solomon Islands police have again called on people to take more care when using boats.
Solomon Islands police boat. Photo: Royal Solomon Islands Police Force
This comes after the rescue on Wednesday of a broken down banana boat carrying seven people.
The Western Province police superintendent, Cedar Neval, said the boat had drifted for four hours after its engine broke down.
She said people operating small boats must make sure their engines are serviced properly and that they are safe to use for the planned journey.
Ms Neval said they must also make sure passengers are given basic safety equipment such as life jackets, and that extra paddles, fuel and tools are carried.
