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Australian man missing off Port Moresby coast after boat accident

An Australian man is one of three men missing after a boating accident near the Papua New Guinea capital, Port Moresby.

The men were on a fishing trip on June 10 when their boat capsized in rough seas about 25 kilometres south-west of the city.

The alarm was raised when they failed to return that evening.

A fourth person was found on nearby Idihi Island, about 30 kilometres from the club, a day after the accident and is being treated in hospital, according to the manager of the Royal Papua Yacht Club, where the boat was moored.

Aaron Batts said the search-and-rescue operation, featuring a number of Australian groups, was focused on the region around the island.

“The MRCC (Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre) in PNG have worked closely with AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority), Australian High Commission and Australian Defence Force, the Royal Papua Yacht Club, private members and villagers in conducting an extensive search for the missing POBs and vessel,” Mr Batts said.

The men are employees of professional firm KPMG in Port Moresby.

A spokeswoman for the company, Kristin Silva, said the company was in touch with the men’s families and was monitoring the situation.

“I can confirm three KPMG staff are currently missing following a boating accident off Port Moresby on Saturday night,” she said.

“An extensive search-and-rescue operation is underway and we are remaining hopeful.

“We are in close contact with the families involved and are hoping and praying for a successful rescue.”

-ABC

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