Missing Kiribati fishermen found in PNG

[Stacey King]

ABC Radio Australia
26 Feb 2009

Three fishermen from Kiribati who went missing at sea for nearly five weeks have been found alive on an island in Papua New Guinea.

The fishermen were taken adrift by rough seas until they were discovered by Papua New Guinea villagers this week.

Authorities in Kiribati thought they drowned, but the men survived on fish and sea water for weeks.

Villagers in PNG's New Ireland province found the men and took them to a medical centre run by the Lihir Gold Mine for treatment.

Dr Barry Kirby says the men were treated and are well.

"Medically-wise they'll need to be observed 24 hours at least and they are starting to eat well," he said.

"They've lost some weight obviously. But otherwise they're in very good condition."

He says the fishermen need a week to fully recover before they could be re-united with their families back in Kiribati.

[Roba]

Yeah! I-Kiribati people are known for their courage and bravery when drifted or lost in the Ocean. I imagine how grateful and happy the families of these lost fishermen. Thats why its always good to eat raw fish!!!! Hahahaha!