The Autonomous Bougainville Government, through the Directorate of Disaster and Emergency announces the successful repatriation of two fisherman from Lontis Village, Haku Constituency, who have safely returned home after surviving fourteen days adrift at sea and being found on Tanga Island in New Ireland Province.
Secretary of the Department of Community Government, Belinda Gara-Lanbong, when welcoming the survivors, described the repatriation as a moment of relief and renewed responsibility of all stakeholders involved.
“Today, we welcome two fishermen of Lontis, Haku – sons of Bougainville who endured the uncertainty of the open sea and now have returned safely to their families."
"Their repatriation is a moment of relief, gratitude and renewed responsibility for all of us,” she said.
The fishermen – Gordon Malle and Arnold Musein who were lost at sea for fourteen days were washed ashore on Tanga island in New Ireland Province and safely transported to Bougainville yesterday by Manalos Helicopter, made possible through the Lloyds Metal and Energy Limited (LMEL).
Their successful extraction was the result of a coordinated effort involving the ABG Directorate of Disaster and Emergency, the New Ireland Provincial Government, local authorities and the people of Tanga Island.
Secretary Mrs. Lanbong acknowledged the pivotal role was played by Lloyds Metal Energy Limited (LMEL), whose timely support provided a helicopter to airlift the survivors directly from Tanga back to Buka, describing it as "responsible partnership" for ensuring a safe and efficient repatriation.
The men had gone out fishing on a Saturday two weeks ago, however, upon their return trip, they ran out of fuel and encountered strong winds and heavy rain that caused their boat to drift off course, venturing out to open seas.
According to Arnold Musein, they realized too late that there was no fuel to get them home and armed with only a wooden paddle, and no phone or torch, they drifted further away from home, praying and surviving on rainwater and floating dry coconuts for two weeks.
“Mipla tirip tasol long tait, win na rain igo inap mi pla lukim hap maunten na mipla tingim olsem em mas Tangaa, na taim mipla sua, mipla apim emty container na ol man lukim mipla na oli ron kam helpim mipla,” he said.
(“We drifted with the tide, strong wind and rain until we saw a mountain in the distance and assumed it was Tangaa. We managed to get the boat to the island and raised an empty container and people from the island ran out to help us.”)
They were thankful to God and everyone who assisted to bring them home to reunite with their families.
“Mipla tok tenk u lo God na olgeta lain were ol wok bung long bringim mipla kam bek long peles. Tenk yu long ol famili lo Tangaa na Tanir Ward 5 LLG long lukaut bilong ol inap mipla kam bek,” he added.
(“We thank God and all that worked together to bring us safely back home. We also thank the families at Tangaa and Tanir Ward 5 LLG for their hospitality until we returned.”)
The repatriation was also done through the collaborative efforts of the Office of the National Member for North Bougainville, Hon. Francesca Semoso, and the Office of the ABG Member for Haku, Hon. Patrick Koles.
Secretary Lanbong also issued a stern warning to all coastal communities regarding the increasing dangers of maritime travel. She emphasized that the ocean is changing "faster and more unpredictably" due to intensified surges and shifting weather systems.
"Our people must take heed of weather warnings, maritime advisories, and strong wind alerts. We cannot afford to lose Bougainvilleans to avoidable risks," Gara-Lanbong urged.
The Secretary also reminded the public that while this mission was a success, the work is not yet finished.
The ABG Disaster and Emergency is also in the middle of another separate operation to locate three persons still missing from Nissan Island.
