Stranded Solomon Islands Ferry Receives Supplies After Engine Failure

More than 70 passengers remained stranded aboard the drifting inter-island ferry MV Awka in Solomon Islands waters, with an international rescue operation working to deliver emergency supplies after an engine failure occurred. The vessel was sailing between the remote islands of Anuta and Vanikoro in Temotu Province when it broke down on Friday about 100 nautical miles from its destination.

International Response and Supply Drops

A distress call issued on Friday prompted assistance from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and the New Caledonian government. A French aircraft from New Caledonia arrived first on Saturday, dropping life rafts and desalination equipment. An AMSA spokesperson stated that its Cairns-based rescue jet subsequently made multiple drops containing food, water, medical supplies, and communications equipment.

On Sunday morning, a Panama-registered bulk carrier named Sunnine 3 reached the drifting ferry and commenced transferring food and water. Temotu Premier Stanley Tehiahua noted in a statement that a police patrol boat was traveling from Honiara.

Conditions Aboard the Drifting Vessel

Passenger John Tua, a provincial government nurse on board, reported that the engine overheated when it failed and that the ship’s water supply had been utilized to help cool the engine down. The urgent need was water. We’ve run out of water onboard … the ship’s water supply was used to cool the engine down when it was heating up, Mr Tua said, adding that passengers also had brown coconuts to drink.

Despite experiencing rough swells alongside mostly calm seas, Mr Tua reported that Everyone is OK, no-one panicked, passengers were calm … we’re just waiting for the rescue ships to come. Passengers maintained communication with families through the ship’s Starlink internet service.