Involuntary voyagers await repatriation
13 October 2021
JARED KOLI
| Solomon Islands broadcasting Corporation
PORT MORESBY - Two Solomon Islands' men missing for 29 days until rescued off the coast of East New Britain 10 days ago are now in Port Moresby awaiting repatriation.
Mary Walenenea, second secretary with the Solomon Islands high commission in Papua New Guinea, said the men, Livae Nanjikana and Junior Qoloni, are staying at the embassy.
She said the men will probably be flown home via Brisbane and Honiara and will need certificates of identity, transit visas, Covid-19 test results and certification and other documents before they can head home.
“How soon that will be processed will be another thing,” Ms Walenenea said.
“As Solomon Islanders, I don’t see any big issue that needs more time to be considered.”
The men were travelling in an open boat to Noro in Western Province from Mono in the Shortland Islands when they encountered heavy rain, thick dark clouds and strong winds, lost their bearings and drifted for over 400 kilometers westwards until being rescued by a fisherman off Pomio.
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