Body found in search for missing 14 in Solomon Islands Economy ‘slides’

POLICE and maritime officials in the Solomon Islands have found the body of a woman they believe is one of 14 people missing at sea since New Year’s Day.

The woman was found on Tuesday night near Zinoa Island, Vouza in Choiseul Province, and northwest of the Solomons capital Honiara, the head of maritime Thierry Nervale told RNZ Pacific.

This is more than 100km from the Shortland Islands.

Mr Nervale said her body has been transported to Taro Island by the police and medical team.

Assistant Police Commissioner National Operations Evelyn Thugea said a family member of the woman had identified the body.

Ms Thugea said the relative had also confirmed the woman was among passengers missing at sea after a boat they were travelling in failed to reach its destination on January 1.

“The dead body started to decompose but a tattoo written at the back and the upper left arm was still visible to identify the body,” Ms Thugea said.

THE economic slide continues for Samoa as it grapples with the effects of the global coronavirus pandemic lockdowns, travel restrictions and global control measures reducing trade.

Demotion

THE police tribunal in Samoa has opted to demote the commanding officer of the police patrol boat from superintendent to inspector. Taito Sefo Hunt was found guilty by the tribunal last month on three counts of negligence and acquitted for two counts of misconduct.

Threat declines

TONGAN authorities say the active Hunga Tonga Hunga Ha’apai volcano no longer poses a threat to the country. There was an explosive eruption on December 20 when gaseous emissions, including acidic dust and ash, reached altitudes of 16km . Tonga’s head of geology Taaniela Kula said it’s now safe to reconnect rainwater harvesting systems in the country.

VCC seeks grant

THE Vanuatu Christian Council (VCC) has written to the government to apply for a 13 million Vatu ($F244,297) grant for 2022. VCC’s Secretary General Pastor Shem Temar told the Daily Post newspaper that the money is to help tackle increasing moral issues in the country.