Repeat sea rescues off Madang coast in PNG

4:25 pm on 27 July 2019

Seven people have been rescued from rough seas in Papua New Guinea by a ferry off the coast of Madang.

Large-scale and small-scale fishing in the waters off Madang in Papua New Guinea.

Large-scale and small-scale fishing in the waters off Madang in Papua New Guinea. Photo: RNZI / Johnny Blades

The captain of the MV Carrie said his vessel was returning to Madang from Basamuk Port on Wednesday when it sighted a small boat with passengers desperately signalling for help.

Charles Buai told the National newspaper the swells were about four metres high and the boat had run out of fuel.

On Sunday, the same ferry rescued two banana boats carrying soccer players in Astrolabe Bay, who were also out of fuel.

Captain Buai said he was calling on the Madang government to spread safety awareness for small craft travelling in local waters.