Dozens of people who were stranded on the vessel MV Awka have been rescued, local authorities confirmed on Monday.

The Temotu Provincial Government said the search and rescue operation for the vessel was successful and that all 73 passengers and crew who were adrift at sea have been transported to shore.

The Solomon Islands ferry was travelling between the remote islands of Tikopia and Vanikoro when its engine failed on Friday.

“We are relieved that all 73 passengers and crew members have been safely transferred to MV Helper 1 and brought ashore at Vanikoro,” Temotu Premier Stanley Tehi said.

“Our priority throughout this operation has been the safety of everyone on board.”

He said that following the mechanical problem encountered by MV Akwa while travelling between Tikopia and Vanikoro, a coordinated search and rescue operation was mobilised with the support of the Solomon Islands government, international partners, maritime operators, and other stakeholders.

Drifting location
Tehi said the Solomon Islands police patrol boat Gizo reached the drifting location of MV Akwa at approximately 11pm on Sunday night, while MV Helper 1 arrived at approximately 9pm (all times local).

“At around midnight, patrol boat Gizo commenced towing MV Akwa. By the early hours of Monday morning, the operation had progressed to the northwestern waters of Vanikoro.

“The safe transfer of the passengers to MV Helper 1 was subsequently completed, and the rescued passengers and crew were transported to shore at Vanikoro.”