Solomon Islands: a chartered ferry to fight against the coronavirus caught in a cyclone

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According to local media, around 20 passengers on the ship are missing.

Publicity

The ship was to take them home as part of a government program to prevent the coronavirus epidemic, while the archipelago is one of the few countries to have yet to register any cases. But the ferry, which had left the capital Honiara in the direction of West Are'are, on the island of Malaita, was taken in cyclone Harold.

They went " overboard " ...

" A number of passengers have disappeared at sea after being taken overboard, " Prime Minister Manasseh Sovagare said in an address to the nation, noting that MV Taimareho had left port " despite several weather warnings " .

Survivors said huge waves and strong winds knocked passengers overboard. Results, according to local media: 28 passengers missing at sea. Figures that the police have not confirmed yet, an investigation is underway.

No case yet

The archipelago is one of the rare countries which have not yet identified any case of Covid-19. The damage to the Solomon Islands has not yet been assessed, but Australia has donated emergency aid of 100,000 Australian dollars (around 55,500 euros).

(with agencies)

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• Solomon Islands
• Coronavirus
• Severe weather

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