PNG Repatriates Seven Merauke Fishermen via Skouw Border Post

The government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) has repatriated seven fishermen from Merauke Regency, South Papua, through the Skouw Cross-Border Post (PLBN) in Jayapura. The fishermen were previously returned from Vanimo, West Sepik Province, via land.

Head of the Skouw PLBN, Ni Luh Puspita, stated in Jayapura on Monday that the seven Merauke fishermen were handed over by the Indonesian Consul in Vanimo, PNG, Aleksander Tangkuman. The repatriation took place on Thursday (2 July).

According to reports, the seven fishermen encountered a mishap while at sea. Their boat suffered damage in the waters of Torasi, causing them to drift into PNG territory. They were subsequently rescued by PNG authorities in Daru and flown to Port Moresby.

Head of the Merauke Border Office, Rekianus Samkakai, confirmed that the fishermen were not processed for any legal violations as they were victims of a maritime accident. He added that all seven individuals have now safely returned to Merauke.