Madang police are stepping up enforcement of small-craft safety laws after two separate boat incidents left four people missing in the province.

Madang provincial police commander Superintendent Robert Baim has directed Water Police to fully enforce the Small Crafts Act and warned dinghy operators, boat owners, skippers and passengers to take marine safety seriously.

The latest incident involved the 23-foot Komoria Tamol, which was travelling from Kubugam to Biabi on Karkar Island on Friday evening.

The boat began taking in water in rough seas outside Yer Double Mountain at about 6.30pm.

The passengers jumped overboard and swam ashore, but the skipper remained on the boat as it was swept away by strong currents. 

A local search has been underway for the missing skipper and the boat. The incident came as police were also responding to a separate capsizing near Tabalip Point involving 18 people travelling from Saidor towards Madang.

Fifteen people have been rescued or located, while three remain missing – an adult man, an adult woman and an 11-year-old boy.

Police have alerted coastal communities in the Bugati, Bilbil and wider Astrolabe Bay areas to watch for the missing people.

Baim said the incidents showed the dangers of ignoring weather conditions and operating small craft beyond their safe capacity.

“The safety of passengers and crew must remain the highest priority whenever travelling by sea,” Baim said.

He said overloading a dinghy could make it unstable and increase the risk of an accident, particularly in rough seas.

Baim said police had repeatedly carried out marine safety awareness in coastal communities, but incidents continued.

“Despite repeated awareness programs, we continue to see incidents that can be avoided if operators and passengers strictly comply with safety requirements,” he said.

He warned operators who ignored the Small Crafts Act and its regulations that they could face arrest and legal proceedings.

“Skippers have a responsibility to operate their vessels safely and within their approved passenger capacity. Carrying more passengers than a vessel can safely accommodate puts lives at unnecessary risk,” Baim said.

Police are urging operators to check weather and sea conditions before departure, avoid unnecessary risks and ensure passengers have access to and use life jackets.

Passengers have also been encouraged to speak up if they believe a vessel is overloaded or being operated unsafely.

Baim said police would continue working with maritime responders and coastal communities to support the searches and strengthen marine safety enforcement across Madang.

“Safe seas save lives,” he said.