The Solomon Island Maritime Authority reported that six bodies have been recovered near South Malaita Island after a storm swept at least 27 people over the side of the ferry Taimareho, on Friday, April 3.
Specifically, official authorities of the area informed that the ferry departed Honiara for West Are’are on Thursday night, April 2, despite the Tropical Cyclone Harold approaching. Although the ferry arrived almost safely, the high waves caused by the cyclone, resulted to more than two dozen people falling over the side during the voyage.
It was firstly alleged that the master was unaware of the loss until after the vessel’s arrival, and the exact number of people swept overboard may never be known, local police told the New Straits Times.
During the investigation, five bodies, three women and two men, were recovered on South Malaita on Sunday, April 5, while an additional body was washed up on shore on Monday, April 6.
The search operation was supported by police from the provincial capital of Auki, the ferry Taimareho, the patrol boat RSIPV Gizo and local volunteers.
For the time being, 21 more remain missing, while the search operations are continuing. In the meantime, when the ferry returns to Honiara, authorities will commence an investigation to understand what may have caused the incident.
