Pacific Region News
Two rescued after ditching plane off Hawaii
HONOLULU, Hawaii —Two persons were rescued Monday (Sunday Hawaii time) after their Cherokee Piper plane crashed into the ocean about 300 miles northeast of the Big Island of Hawaii at about 7:30 p.m.
The two men, pilot Raymond Clamback and passenger Shane Wiley from Sydney, Australia, were rescued by the 743-foot Bahama-registered bulk carrier Nyon after spending almost 10 hours in the ocean.
The plane was equipped with a life raft and both men were aboard the raft, wearing life vests, when they were located.
Personnel aboard the Nyon reported that the two men were in good condition when hoisted aboard the cargo vessel, but exhausted and suffering from hypothermia. They are expected to arrive in Hilo, Hawaii Tuesday morning about 8:00 a.m.
Clamback was flying the plane from Hilo to Santa Barbara, California when it lost oil pressure and then became low on fuel, resulting in engine failure and forcing the ocean ditching.
Assisting the operation, a U.S. Coast Guard C-130 plane dropped flares to illuminate a “runway in the sea” to help the Piper’s pilot land.
At the time seas were about 10 feet with winds at nine knots and sea squalls in the area.
At about noon, the survivors were transferred from the Nyon to the Coast Guard Cutter Kiska for medical treatment. (Hulsen)
Perks for outgoing officials
RAROTONGA, Cook Islands—The outgoing government of Prime Minister Dr. Joe Williams awarded itself cars and pay hikes just a day before being voted out of office last Wednesday.
Incoming finance secretary Kevin Carr said Williams and his six ministers met as a cabinet on Tuesday, sold under-valued government vehicles to themselves, approved pay raises and paid for overseas trips for Williams and former longtime prime minister Sir Geoffrey Henry.
On Wednesday, Dr. Terepai Maoate was sworn in as the country’s new prime minister.
Weapons plan for observers
BUKA, Papua New Guinea—The United Nations Observer Mission on Bougainville will be asked by the national government to draft a plan for secure storage of rebel weapons on the long embattled island.
The multi-nation Peace Process Consultative Committee said the move is the first significant step in developing a comprehensive agreement on weapons disposal, essential to lasting peace.
The Bougainville Revolutionary Army fought a decade-long secessionist war that ended in a cease-fire in 1997.
Air Tahiti Nui celebrates first anniversary
PAPEETE, French Polynesia—Flag carrier Air Tahiti Nui, which began flights to Los Angeles last November and later added a non-stop route to Tokyo, has celebrated its first birthday by announcing plans to expand service to Osaka and possibly Korea.
Air Tahiti Nui carried 3,800 passengers on its main route, Los Angeles-Papeete, in September, giving it a 24 percent and largest share of the market. (Pacific Islands Report)
