By RODRICK DESURI 

Auki 

Malaita’s capital, Auki is seeing a surge of people converging there in search of ships to return to Honiara.

And, with only few ships serving, a lot of people are still waiting in Auki.

Yesterday, Auki wharf was flooded as hundreds descended on the three ships docked there – Pelican 1 and 2, and Auki Express.

But, only less then half could make it onboard these ships.

Witnesses say it was chaotic as passengers rushed in and out of the fast-crafts, causing luggage to go missing and parents to forget their children.

Police also held Pelican 1 for almost three hours because of overloading. 

A stranded passenger, who requested to remain anonymous, said he had been trying to travel to Auki from his village since Saturday last week, hoping to board one of the vessels but was denied because he did not have a ticket.

He said he would have to wait to purchase another ticket before traveling. 

“I came on Saturday and hoped that I would travel today, but I was called out of Pelican 1 because I don’t have a ticket.

“So, tomorrow I will try my best to get a ticket before boarding,” he said.

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, also warned passengers to plan their travel first.

He said that this is to avoid problems and loss of luggage.

“Today at the wharf, we received a report that a man lost his bag. The bag contained three red money notes and $3,000 in cash at the wharf,” he said.

He said that before traveling, passengers need to follow instructions and messages from vessel crews and carefully look out for their belongings.

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