Papua New Guinea’s Mineral Resources Authority has warned that the submarine volcano in the Bismarck Sea is still active, with pumice washing ashore in parts of Manus Province and tsunami risk remaining above normal.
The Rabaul Volcanological Observatory said the eruption at Titan Ridge Volcano, in the north-central Bismarck Sea, continued between June 2 and June 4. The volcano is located at 3.0848° South, 147.8649° East.
A single steaming patch was still producing fumes reaching up to about 5,000 metres, while a large area of submarine sediment and pumice remained visible at sea.
Thick pumice rafts are now surrounding and washing up on islands in the Admiralty group, including Baluan and Lou. Boat operators have been warned to limit use of outboard motors inside pumice patches because blocked water intakes can quickly overheat engines and damage pumps.
The observatory said people travelling by sea should carry paddles, sail material, drinking water and tell others their destination and expected arrival time before departure.
Seismic activity has been low, with no recorded earthquakes since a magnitude 5 event on May 30. Hydroacoustic noise linked to the eruption rose again after May 27, then began declining during the latest reporting period.
The observatory said the eruption appeared to have started on May 8, slowed around May 24 to May 28, then resumed. Further pauses may occur, but volcanic activity is expected to continue.
The risk of tsunami generation remains above normal. Pumice rafts may also disrupt small boats and local maritime traffic.
The MRA said the pumice should not affect fish stocks because it has already travelled at least 75 kilometres and has been rinsed by seawater. Fish caught alive and healthy are considered safe, but people have been warned not to eat dead fish found floating or washed ashore.
The public has also been urged to share the full situation report and avoid unverified social media posts, including images from other locations and AI-generated material.
Papua New Guinea lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire and has several active volcanic systems across New Britain, New Ireland, Bougainville, Manus and surrounding seas. The Titan Ridge eruption adds another reminder of the country’s exposure to both land-based and submarine volcanic hazards.
