Media Release

Torres Strait: Search for seven missing people continuing

The search for seven people reported overdue on a trip from Daru Island in Papua New Guinea to Stephens Island in the Torres Strait is continuing today.

Seven aircraft and a Customs Coastwatch vessel are searching a 450 square nautical mile area for the missing people.

They left Daru Island on Wednesday 28 May at 9am in a 7 metre fibreglass boat and were due to arrive at Stephens Island two hours later to attend a wake.

They failed to arrive and were reported overdue to the police at 12.30pm yesterday (Thursday 29 May).

Australian Search and Rescue was asked at 2.30pm yesterday by the police to begin a search for the four males and three females missing.

Nine aircraft, including 8 Army Kiowa helicopters, searched for the missing people until last light yesterday.

The weather in the search area today is moderate with 20-knot south easterly winds and 2.2 metre seas.

Further information:

Ben Mitchell AMSA PR 0418 164 901

[back to top]