18 May 2016

15 people rescued off the Solomons after 3 weeks adrift

8:14 am on 18 May 2016

A group of 15 Papua New Guineans have been taken to the Solomon Islands capital of Honiara after drifting at sea for three weeks.

The men, women and children, who are believed to be from New Ireland in PNG, were rescued by a Solomon Islands passenger vessel.

The Solomon Islands Police said one of the group died at sea and was thrown overboard.

The police and immigration officials are working with the PNG High Commission in Honiara to assist the group.

Officials from the High Commission are investigating.

Honiara port

Honiara port Photo: RNZ Koroi Hawkins