Six Expatriates Die After Boat Capsizes Off Lihir Island in Papua New GUinea

Six expatriates have lost their lives after a boat carrying 12 people overturned at sea while returning from a picnic near Lihir Island in New Ireland Province, Papua New Guinea. 

The fatal incident occurred on Sunday, July 26, after the group travelled to Malie Island, outside Londolovit Township. Police have confirmed that six passengers survived and are receiving treatment as investigations continue into the tragedy.

 Six Expatriates Die After Boat Capsizes Off Lihir Island in Papua New Guinea/New Ireland PPC, Chief Superintendent Albert Belie Picture supplied.

New Ireland Provincial Police Commander Chief Superintendent Albert Beli said the victims included two women and four men.

He said one of the deceased women was from Myanmar while the other was from China. Among the four men who died, three were Chinese nationals and one was from Myanmar.

Chief Superintendent Beli said one man from Nepal and two Chinese nationals were among those who survived the accident.

According to police, everyone on board was employed by Dongsheng Investment Limited Supermarket and Hardware and had travelled to the island for a recreational outing.

Police reports indicate the boat developed engine problems while making the return trip. The passengers managed to restart the engines and continued their journey before the vessel encountered rough seas.

The strong waves caused the boat to overturn, resulting in six deaths while the remaining passengers survived.

The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the Lihir Medical Centre morgue, while the survivors remain under medical care.

Chief Superintendent Beli said police have established an investigation team to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether any further action will be required once inquiries are completed.

He also acknowledged the efforts of Lihir police and other responding agencies for their swift rescue and recovery operation.

"I want to appeal to those using small craft as their means of transport to think carefully before taking on passengers to travel into the open sea," PPC Beli said.

"We have lost many lives within weeks, and we do not want to lose any more. Please adhere to weather warnings."