Morobe police have issued a strong warning to all small craft operators to strictly adhere to safety advisories from the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) and other authorized agencies, following a tragic maritime accident that claimed two lives in Sialum.
Morobe Provincial Police Commander Chief (PPC) Superintendent Samson Siguyaru, stated that the warning follows a boat capsize at Quambu Point near Sialum Station around 10:00 PM on Thursday, July 23, 2026.
A family of five was traveling in a small craft through rough seas when the vessel overturned. The incident resulted in the deaths of the father and his eldest daughter whose bodies were subsequently brought to Butaweng Mortuary.
A young boy and a young girl remain missing at sea, while the mother survived. The skipper and two crew members have been identified, and formal police investigations are currently underway.
PPC Siguyaru emphasized that the incident highlights the dangers of ignoring maritime safety warnings.
“Morobe police are directing all small craft operators throughout the province to strictly comply with all NMSA safety advisories, weather warnings, and lawful directions issued by police and other authorised agencies.”
“Operators who disregard these warnings and continue to operate in unsafe conditions will face police action.”
He said police officers across Morobe Province have been instructed to monitor operators and take action against those who deliberately breach safety requirements.
“Police officers throughout the Morobe Province have been instructed to stop, inspect, and, where sufficient evidence exists, arrest operators who deliberately violate maritime safety requirements or lawful police directions.”
PPC Siguyaru said operators who place passengers’ lives at risk may face prosecution under relevant Papua New Guinea laws, including the National Maritime Safety Authority Act 2003, Merchant Shipping Act 1975, and provisions under the Criminal Code Act relating to reckless or negligent conduct.
Moreover, he added that the police will continue working with NMSA to ensure maritime safety regulations are followed, and offenders are held accountable.
PPC Siguyaru stated that the loss of lives at sea due to ignoring safety warnings is preventable and urged operators not to put profit or convenience ahead of passenger safety.
Furthermore, the Morobe Provincial Police Command has extended its condolences to the affected family and said support will continue for search efforts to locate the two missing children.
