Stranded passengers from the grounded MV Ialibu were evacuated to Kimbe and Rabaul yesterday afternoon after having to shelter on Umboi Island following the incident on Tuesday night. Lutheran Shipping, the company who owns MV Ialibu evacuated the passengers using their other vessel MV Momase. National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) Chief Executive Officer Paul Unas said the vessel was carrying 140 passengers and 13 crews on board at the time of the incident. The vessel ran aground on Umboi Island in Siassi, Morobe Province following the flooding of its starboard engine, and strong winds and swells dragged the vessel ashore despite its captain dropping the stern anchor. Following the incident, all 140 passengers were offloaded on the Island with sufficient amount of food and were sheltered while the crew remained on board. Lutheran Shipping had engaged Pacific Towing Company (Pactow) to assist in salvage operation and is currently on the island awaiting verification of her seaworthy condition.