Indonesian Navy Rescues 11 PNG Nationals After Boat Engine Fails

Eleven Papua New Guineans, including two children, were brought to safety after spending hours drifting in the Pacific Ocean when the engine of their small boat broke down.

The group was rescued in the early hours of Sunday, September 27, by the Indonesian Navy hospital ship KRI dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo-991 (KRI WSH-991) while the vessel was sailing towards Vanuatu as part of the 2026 Integrated Port Visit Task Force mission.

The rescue took place between about 12:30am and 2:30am local time, around 11 nautical miles southwest of Green Island.

Indonesia Navy Rescues 11 PNG Nationals After Boat Engine Fails/Photo supplied

According to the Indonesian Navy, an Officer of the Watch noticed a light being flashed from the distance. The apparent distress signal prompted ship commander Colonel Benedictus Hery Murwanto to order the deployment of medical, security and response personnel.

At about 1:02am, the 99-metre hospital ship reached the stranded passengers and stopped alongside their approximately seven-metre vessel.

Those on board consisted of eight men, one woman and two children.

The group had left Buka Island at around 7am on Saturday, September 26, intending to travel to Nissan Island. Their journey was interrupted when the boat's outboard motor developed a mechanical problem.

As weather and sea conditions deteriorated, the passengers were left drifting for several hours before they noticed the Indonesian naval vessel and signalled for help.

After they were taken aboard KRI WSH-991, the rescued passengers were examined by medical personnel led by Lieutenant Commander Dr Chairi.

The naval crew also provided them with food, drinking water, dry clothes and blankets, while accommodation was arranged for them to rest.

The Indonesian vessel subsequently changed its course and returned towards the waters off Buka to ensure the group could be safely handed over.

Once the ship moved into an area with cellular coverage, one of the rescued passengers contacted relatives on shore. Navy personnel later handed the passengers and their belongings over to their families.

Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Dr Muhammad Ali said humanitarian assistance remained part of the navy's responsibilities during operations in the region.

“The Indonesian Navy's responsibilities extend beyond safeguarding maritime sovereignty and security to upholding humanitarian values in every mission,” he said.

Following the operation, KRI WSH-991 resumed its journey to Vanuatu, where it is scheduled to continue its South Pacific diplomatic and medical outreach activities.