8 Aug 2012

Five missing at sea after PNG boat hits rocks

3:01 pm on 8 August 2012

The search continues in Papua New Guinea for five passengers who went missing after a workboat ran onto rocks near Trobriand Islands in Milne Bay.

The Post Courier reports 18 people were the 10-metre boat at the time of the incident, including four crew.

13 people survived.

The MV Oyapo was en route to the Trobriand Islands from Sehulea on Normanby Island two weeks ago when it encountered engine problems.

The boat then drifted for a while before strong winds smashed it onto rocks.

Survivors from the wrecked boat were picked up swimming by the MV Genevieve Maria who took hem to Nabwageta in the Amphlett Group of Islands.