Members of the Water Police on a recent trip to Fisherman Island. They are now involved in the search for the missing four from Hanuabada. Photo: Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary
Water Police officers in Port Moresby have joined the search for four Papua New Guinea fishermen who have been missing for 10 days.
The Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary said they are assisting National Maritime Safety officers in the search.
Director Water Police Chief Inspector Chris Smith said Water Police officers helped initially when the report was lodged at the police station last week.
Smith said that search was unsuccessful and no one was found. He added that the Water Police officers are doing their normal sea patrols around the waters of Port Moresby.
The four men, aged from 18 to 35, left Hanuabada in Port Moresby around 10am on February 7.
Smith said before the men went on to the water, a warning was issued by the Weather Service and was published on all the media platforms to inform people traveling on the sea that the weather was not good.
Another search continues
Police say the search is continuing for a four-year old girl, her mother and two men whose boat sank near Bipi Island in Manus last week.
Provincial Police Commander Chief Inspector Kiweri Kesambi said they were questioning a small craft owner and two operators over the incident.
"The four-year-old girl, her mother and two men were travelling from North Western Island when they encountered strong winds and rough seas," he said.
"The boat had 13 people on board - 10 passengers including the four-year-old, plus the boat owner and two operators.
"Their boat capsized just a few kilometers out from the Bipi Island.
"Nine managed to swim ashore, including the boat owner and two operators."
Kesambi said a search party was organised with the support of the Manus administration and disaster office.
"The boat owner and the two operators are in police custody as investigations continue," he said.
