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More than 70 people have been stranded on a drifting ferry in Solomon Islands waters since Friday, while an international effort works to deliver supplies to the vessel.
MV Awka was traveling between the remote islands of Anuta and Vanikoro in Temotu Province when its engine failed on Friday.
Passenger John Tua, a nurse with the provincial government, said the engine overheated and broke down about 100 nautical miles (roughly 185 kilometers) from the ship’s destination.
The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority told the ABC that 74 passengers and 16 crew members are on board. “Everyone is OK, no-one panicked, passengers were calm … we’re just waiting for the rescue ships to come,” Tua said.
He said the seas have been mostly calm, although the ship has also met rough swells.
A distress call went out on Friday, and the Solomon Islands asked the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the New Caledonian government for help.
A French aircraft from New Caledonia was first on the scene on Saturday, dropping life rafts and desalination equipment, which removes salt from seawater.
An AMSA spokesperson said its rescue jet, based in Cairns, Australia, made several drops of food, water, medical supplies and communications equipment.
Tua said water was the most urgent need because the ship’s supply had been used to cool the overheating engine. “We have lots of brown coconuts on board to drink, but our water is finished,” he said.
On Sunday morning, the Panama-registered bulk carrier Sunnine 3 reached the ferry and began transferring water and food, which Tua live-streamed online.
A Temotu provincial government statement said passengers now have access to essential supplies, including drinking water, food and medical provisions, delivered by air and sea.
Passengers have kept in touch with relatives through the ship’s Starlink satellite internet, and Tua has been the main source of news for worried families.
Temotu Premier Stanley Tehiahua said a police patrol boat is on its way from Honiara, the national capital. He urged relatives to remain calm, united and prayerful.
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