More than 70 stranded as Solomon Islands ferry drifts for days

More than 70 passengers remain stranded aboard a drifting ferry in Solomon Islands waters since Friday, as an international effort works to deliver supplies to the vessel. The ferry, en route between the remote islands of Anuta and Vanikoro in Temotu Province, encountered engine trouble on Friday, leaving it adrift 100 nautical miles from its destination. The engine was overheating at the time, causing the breakdown.

Passengers, including nurse John Tua, reported that everyone remained calm throughout the ordeal. The vessel has experienced rough swells despite mostly calm seas. An international rescue operation was launched, with the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the New Caledonian government providing aid. AMSA's Cairns-based rescue jet delivered essential items such as food, water, medical supplies, and communication equipment.

The critical need was for water, as the ship had exhausted its supply while attempting to cool the overheated engine. Tua explained that they had relied on brown coconuts for drinking, but water had since run out. On Sunday morning, the Panama-registered bulk carrier Sunnine 3 reached the stranded ferry and began transferring water and food, which was televised live by Tua for anxious relatives.

Temotu Premier Stanley Tehiahua stated that a police patrol boat was en route from Honiara to assist with the rescue efforts. The Premier urged everyone to remain calm, united, and prayerful during this challenging time. The Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration and the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre have been requested for comment.

This incident follows the sinking of the MV Matui in Vanuatu about three weeks ago, with 50 people on board and 30 still missing. Calls have been made for Australia and New Zealand to invest more in maritime safety, with maritime researcher Peter Nuttall suggesting that substantial funds spent on patrol boats could be better allocated towards safer ferry construction.