PNG Engineer Missing After Bougainville Voyage Sparks Family Concerns

A Papua New Guinea seafarer remains unaccounted for after going missing while serving aboard a commercial vessel in Bougainville waters, prompting concern from his family and calls for clearer answers from authorities.

R&A Marine Services has confirmed that Richard Samai, the Chief Engineer of the MV Emilia Spirit, was formally reported missing on Monday, December 15, while the vessel was on a scheduled commercial operation. The company says it is still unclear how Mr Samai disappeared and cannot confirm whether he fell overboard.

 PNG Engineer Missing After Bougainville Voyage Sparks Family Concerns [Photo by New Dawn FM]

The shipping firm stated that it immediately alerted maritime and law enforcement agencies, including the National Maritime Safety Authority, the PNG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, and Kokopo Police, as internal reviews were carried out.

The company acknowledged that internal assessments identified breaches of company policy involving personnel, including the missing crew member, but declined to provide further detail while official investigations continue.

R&A Marine Services also confirmed that its Arawa administration office notified Arawa Police to ensure information was shared across jurisdictions in Bougainville and East New Britain.

Meanwhile, the family of the missing engineer has raised concerns over how the case has been handled. Speaking on behalf of the family, Mr Samai’s brother, Smith Samai, said they have questioned the findings of Kokopo Police and formally requested that the matter be transferred to the Bougainville Police Service due to jurisdictional and procedural concerns.

Mr Samai was last seen boarding the RAMS-operated MV Emilia Spirit at Loloho Port in central Bougainville on the evening of December 15.

“To all seafarers and concerned parties, I urge you to take notice of the unfolding situation. Richard has now been missing for three weeks, and we appeal to anyone with information to come forward so justice can be served and safer working conditions upheld,” Mr Samai said.