ABG expands search coordination for missing Nissan–Buka Vessel
The Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG), through the Directorate of Disaster and Emergency, advises that search coordination for the missing Nissan–Buka vessel has expanded through additional national and international partnerships as efforts continue to locate the three persons who departed Nissan Island for Buka on Saturday, 18 July 2026.
While there have been no confirmed sightings of the vessel, the Directorate has intensified coordination over recent days to maximise the search effort.
To strengthen the response, the Directorate has continued working closely with the New Ireland Provincial Disaster Office and TANIR Local Level Government to monitor coastal waters through local communication networks. A formal request has also been made to the National Disaster Centre for additional maritime assets to support ongoing search and rescue operations.
The search has now been broadened beyond Papua New Guinea's immediate waters. The Directorate has liaised with the New Ireland Provincial Government to verify information regarding possible sightings around Mussau Island. The Directorate also followed up on reports of a possible sighting in Manus Province. Following verification with the Manus Provincial Disaster Office, the reported sighting has been confirmed as untrue. The ABG thanks the Manus Provincial Disaster Office for its prompt assistance in verifying the information. All reported sightings will continue to be thoroughly investigated before official updates are issued.
The PNG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) has notified the United States Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Honolulu and the Honiara MRCC. The broadcast alert issued by the PNG MRCC and JRCC to vessels operating throughout the region also remains active, with all mariners requested to maintain a vigilant lookout and immediately report any sightings of the missing vessel.
Alerts have also been circulated through the Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing Platform, requesting neighbouring countries and vessels operating throughout the region to neighbouring countries and maritime operators to maximise search coverage.
Despite these expanded efforts, search operations continue to be challenged by persistent strong wind warnings across the coastal waters of Bougainville, New Ireland and New Britain. The prevailing sea conditions continue to pose significant risks to small craft and limit further sea-based search activities.
The Directorate again appeals to commercial vessels, fishing operators and coastal communities throughout Bougainville, New Ireland, the Atolls and neighbouring maritime areas to remain alert for the missing vessel and report any credible information immediately through the appropriate authorities. The previously issued description of the vessel and the three persons on board remains current.
The ABG acknowledges the continued support of the National Disaster Centre, the PNG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre, Provincial Disaster Centers in New Ireland, East New Britain and Manus, and all partner agencies assisting with the search effort.
The ABG continues to extend its thoughts and prayers to the families of those on board. We urge the public to refrain from circulating unverified information on social media and to rely only on official updates.
AUTHORISED BY THE SECRETARY – DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY GOVERNMENT
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