2 Fijians missing in PNG waters

Two Fijian nationals were confirmed missing in Papua New Guinea waters over the weekend. Ministry of Foreign Affairs chief of protocol Neumi Leweni said the two men had been missing since midday on Saturday. One is understood to be an Australian with Fijian descent.

Mr Leweni said the ministry received information from the Fijian High Commission in PNG confirming that the two Fijian men were missing.

He said due to confidentiality issues, the names could not be released as yet and the search was still continuing. Mr Leweni said updates on the matter were being conveyed to the Ministry through Fijian High Commission’s First Secretary Vilitati Mataitini from PNG.

It is understood that a well-known firm in Port Moresby is the employer of the men and the firm is understood to be withholding information until clarifications on the search had been made.

It is also understood that the families of the two men were still to be advised by the employer. According to PNGTV News, the General Manager of the Royal Papua New Guinea Yacht Club Eron Butt said they have not received further information about the men missing out at sea.

PNGTV further stated that one PNG national was found yesterday morning and was currently undergoing medical treatment while four were still missing.

Mr Butt said the matter was still sensitive. It is reported the boat was drifting near an island at about midday Saturday and it is understood the five men left for a fishing trip at about 5am the same day.

A distress signal coming from PNG Waters was received in Australia which then contacted the National Maritime Safety Authority in PNG.

A search and rescue operation was still underway men this edition went to press.