PNG Drifters Finally Return Home

Two Papua New Guinean men are finally returning home for the first time since their planned boat trip turned into an unexpected ordeal at sea.

Michael Bolong and Ambrose Wavut departed to PNG on January 15^th after their November 2014 rescue by a Micronesian tuna fishing boat.
The duo were temporary housed in Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia with assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and local groups including Pohnpei State Hospital staff, the Salvation Army, Pohnpei Fishing Club and the Australian Embassy.
With airline tickets purchased through IOM’s Humanitarian Assistance for Stranded Migrants fund, Bolong and Wavut are now returning home.
Sadly the duo will not be returning with Wavut’s father-in-law Francis Dimansol who died three weeks before their rescue.
Although national governments are primary responsible for repatriation of stranded migrants, there are many instances where additional assistance is required explains IOM Micronesia.
The duo survived their ordeal by eating fish and turtle meat, and catching rainwater.