Heroic Beach Rescue

Four passengers saved by quick actions and skills of young boys in challenging sea conditions off Guadalcanal’s remote Weathercoast

On Saturday, July 6th, at approximately 2:15 pm, an open boat traveling from Honiara to Makaruka sank outside Sangasere due to rough seas. Four passengers, including a Catholic priest, quickly jumped off the sinking boat and attempted to swim 120 meters to shore. However, the strong current carried them 200 meters away towards the rocky Sangasere Point, where massive Tasimauri (living seas) waves crashed against the rocks.

In a fortunate turn of events, two boys walking along the beach witnessed the incident and swiftly ran back to the village to alert the locals. In response, a dozen young Sangasere boys hurried to the beach and swam vigorously towards the drifters with floaters, empty jerrycans, life jackets, tire tubes and ropes to rescue the four passengers.

Despite the strong currents and huge waves, the rescuers managed to bring all the passengers safely ashore after more than an hour. The passengers were then treated with water and food to recover their strength.

The rescuers’ quick actions, knowledge of the currents, and swimming skills ultimately saved all four passengers. The 21-ft boat was washed ashore the next morning, except for the 40hp engine, which had fallen off the boat.

None of the rescuers wanted to take credit for the life-saving mission. They expressed that they were simply helping out regardless of who was in the boat and were happy that the passengers were safe with their families and relatives.

Villagers noted that this is the second boat to have sunk outside Sangasere. The first incident occurred a few years back, involving a former MP, his wife, housemaids, and his baby, who were also rescued by the same Sangasere boys.

The Solomon Islands Weather Office is still calling on boat travelers to be cautious as a strong wind warning is still in place for most parts of the country.

Source: GP Media