The East New Britain Coroner has confirmed that all 27 people who died in the 18 July boat tragedy were victims of drowning, with no evidence of foul play, as police continue their coronial investigation into the disaster.
East New Britain Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Amanda Kates, said the confirmation comes as authorities begin the next phase of supporting grieving families and advancing the coronial process.
“This terrible human catastrophe has touched so many lives, and now with the period of time that has passed we must move forward with next steps with the families,” Superintendent Kates confirmed in a statement.
“Over the current weekend the specialist Forensic Pathologist addressed family members at the Kokopo Fire Station.
“He informed the families that he has completed all 13 autopsies at the Nonga Morgue, and that he is currently preparing preliminary reports, which will be finished promptly.
“The preliminary reports will be presented to Investigating Officers who will then give the report to the Coroner on Monday, 3 August.
“From each of the preliminary reports the Coroner will issue Death Certificates and release of the body certificate to Police.
“Police will then contact family members and give them those documents. This will be a harrowing time for families, and they have the full support of our communities in East New Britain and Police.
“At this point, it is important to make public, for the families, the provincial community and the country, that the Coroner has confirmed that all those who perished were the victims of drowning and there was no foul play involved.”
In relation to the coronial investigation by Police into the capsize of the boats and loss of life, Superintendent Kates said the process is ongoing and thorough.
“Vessels are being used to recreate the journey taken by the families to better understand direction, wave patterns and currents.
“Police are taking statements from residents of Pidgin Island and will progress to Baai Village to again take further statements from the residents of the village.”
“Police will travel to New Ireland to take statements from those community members who searched diligently for and found the bodies on their islands.
“Information will be made public as soon as it can be released, and I again appeal to people not to believe speculation and rumor that is quite often untrue.
“Finally, I want to restate that we remain forever thankful to the East New Britain and New Ireland communities who supported each other in these sad times.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families who have suffered this terrible loss.”