An inquiry into three missing people at sea between Isabel and Russell Islands during the Christmas period last year have been set up between officers of the Royal Solomon Police Force (RSIPF) at Yandina, with the support from Auki police.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) of Malaita Province, Superintendent Michael Ramosaea, said a banana boat and a 40-horse Yamaha engine in Auki are in police custody under police investigation.

Supervising PPC Ramosaea said it is confirmed that the 40-horsepower engine belongs to a couple who work at the Yandina clinic.

PPC Ramosaea said the skipper of the boat, with a female and another male are still missing, which is subject to police investigation.

The initial report confirms six people on the boat on their way back to Russell Islands from Isabel Province experienced a fuel shortage.

It was alleged when they saw an island, they jumped out from the boat and swam, but only three people managed to reach the shore in Isabel province, while the other three are still missing.

– RSIPF