AUKI police are continuing their investigation into the disappearance of a crew member who reportedly fell overboard from Pelican II while enroute from Honiara to Malaita Province early this month.
The incident is believed to have occurred at an unknown location between Gela and Malaita on Friday 6th June.
The missing man was a crew member aboard the vessel at the time of the incident.
A search and rescue operation was launched at 7pm on Friday by Pelican II and Police, shortly after the alarm was raised.
However, efforts to locate the missing person were unsuccessful, and the operation was called off on Saturday evening after no signs of the man were found.
The weather was also unstable during the time which denied officers to continue to the search.
Auki Police Operations Manager Michael Ramosaea confirmed to the Solomon Star last week that police are still actively investigating the case.
“Since the report of the missing crew member from the MV Pelican 2, we have not received any updates or indications regarding his whereabouts,” Ramosaea said.
He added that investigations are ongoing.
When asked why the MV Pelican 2 continues normal operations despite the incident, Ramosaea said the matter would be referred to the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority (SIMA) for further consultation.
The crew member reportedly fell overboard on the night of Friday, June 6, while the vessel was traveling from Honiara to Auki.
He was reportedly drunk at that time.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
