Villagers at Nikumu in South Bougainville recovered a police speed craft that sank while patrolling the western border, between Uhu and Ilina Island, on 18 September 2026, according to a statement posted under the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force category on the Solomon Islands Government portal on 21 September 2026.
The statement said the vessel, which it refers to as a striker, went down after developing a mechanical problem and meeting strong wind and a rough sea.
According to the statement, the craft was on border patrol when both of its engines failed as it headed back to Lofung in the Shortland Islands from Choiseul.
Mr Lional Kapisa, Assistant Commissioner (AC) National Operation (NO), said the officers aboard tried to clear the water coming in but were not able to. He said strong winds and high swells were the main cause of the sinking, with water washing in over the rear of the craft until it filled.
AC Kapisa said police were working closely with the relevant authorities so the boat could be handed over safely to police at the western border.
"This incident is a learning experience for us to consider a few challenges on safety and dedicated experts to be stationed at the western border post to mitigate such challenges," AC Kapisa said in the statement.
Mr Kapisa said every officer who had been on board was rescued, with help from people of Samanago in the Shortlands Islands and the team deployed at the Lofung patrol boat outpost.
Source: Source: "Police boat sank at the western border beached in south Bougainville", a Royal Solomon Islands Police Force item published on the Solomon Islands Government portal (solomons.gov.sb) on 21 September 2026. https://solomons.gov.sb/police-boat-sank-at-the-western-border-beached-in-south-bougainville/