6 Oct 2021

Nothing ruled out in Bougainville missing boat case

10:55 am on 6 October 2021

Bougainville's police chief says nothing is being ruled out ahead of a coronial inquiry into the disappearance of former Health Minister Charry Napto, his wife and child, and three others.

The six were travelling from Buka to Nissan Island in a banana boat on 17th July, but the boat went missing in high seas.

Nothing has been found since.

The autonomous government called for a coronial inquiry after rumours circulated the group had been abducted by pirates.

Bougainville Police Commissioner, Francis Tokura

Bougainville Police Commissioner, Francis Tokura Photo: The Bougainvillean

Police Chief Francis Tokura said nobody has produced evidence to prove pirates were involved and police have no information.

"We are not ruling out anything. The files have already been given to the coroner to study the files," he said.

"As soon as the inquest commences then he'll be guiding us as to how he wants the investigation to go. But we are not ruling out anything, at this point in time."

Francis Tokura said six people, who are suspects in the missing boat case, are being held in custody but for previous alleged offences.

They, including one man who allegedly made to shore off the missing boat, will give evidence to the coroner.

The coronial inquiry is expected to start at the beginning of November.