By: Annemarie Paul
A boat with 7 health workers conducting a TB / HIV supervisory visit and referral patients have gone missing in Buka, Papua New Guinea.
They have been either attacked by Pirates or have capsized due to bad weather.
The incident happened on 14th June, 2019 upon returning between Nissan to Buka in Bougainville.
The trip was funded by the Save the Children (under TB Global Funds) in partnership with the department of health in Bougainvillea.
The reporter is a daughter of one of the health workers who was the Provincial TB Coordinator from the Department of Health on Bougainville.
This could be a result of bad weather or the work of pirates, the search must continue to locate the missing people.
The appeal goes out to the public and the marine coastal watchers or vessels to look out for any drifters at sea.
The writer also appeals for the PNG Navy to partake in the search and neighbouring countries to be communicating with any sightings within their waters.
These health workers and boat skippers have dedicated more than 30 years of their lives to save lives and their lives are worth saving.
This is not only a Provincial Dilemma but is now a national call to the PNG authorities to assist the Disaster Office and MRCC with the search.
You can either contact the writer, Ms. Annemarie Paul, or contact us.
Picture from Unsinkable Boats.