A young father of three who works as chief engineer for R&A Marine Services (RAMS) owned MV Emilia Spirit has gone missing on the waters of Buka on December 16 last year.
RAMS in a media statement confirmed the mysterious disappearance Richard Samai but the captain and the crew failed to report it to Buka police station in the Autonomous Region of Bougainville. (Read separate story later).
Read related article on: https://www.marineinsight.com/shipping-news/chief-engineer-missing-after-disappearing-from-vessel-in-bougainville-waters/
Arawa CID police observed in a report that:
- The non-cooperation of the captain and crew raises suspicion and hinders investigative progress.
- RAMS management’s directive to bypass Bougainville jurisdiction constitutes a deliberate obstruction.
- The timing of Mr. Samai’s disappearance, coinciding with his last known Digicel coverage reading, suggests he may have gone missing between Loloho and Mabiri Point.
- The vessel’s decision to sail with only one engine, coupled with the Chief Engineer’s sudden absence, presents operational irregularities that warrant scrutiny.
Samai comes from Kompiam in Enga province.
He went missing from the commercial vessel MV Emilia Spirit during its scheduled voyage in Bougainville waters.
The company released a short public statement. It said Mr. Samai’s whereabouts are still unknown.
RAMS said it does not know what happened after he was last seen on board the vessel.
Mr. Samai was a highly experienced engineer.
He was working on the Emilia Spirit on a normal commercial trip when he went missing.
The events leading to his disappearance are still unclear. The search has now entered a worrying stage.
“Search efforts are difficult. The sea conditions are rough and there is little evidence. There have been no confirmed sightings or messages from Mr. Samai since he was reported missing.”
RAMS has asked maritime authorities and nearby vessels to help with information.
Family members, colleagues, and the shipping community are waiting for updates with deep concern.