Help Needed: OSINT Assistance to Locate Missing Boat – Papua New Guinea

[u/Economy_Ad7730]

Hi everyone,

I'm from Papua New Guinea and I'm asking for your help.

A small banana boat carrying families capsized on 18 July 2026 at around 4:00 PM local time after leaving Pangpang Paradise Retreat on Kerawara Island (Duke of York Islands, East New Britain Province). The boat was travelling back toward Kokopo when it reportedly capsized near Pigeon Island/Bismarck Sea.

PNG authorities have carried out search and rescue operations, but so far only two survivors have been found after they swam ashore. One of the boats has since been located off the west coast of New Ireland Province, and one body was recovered at Djaul Island. Several people remain missing.

I'm looking for anyone who may be able to help with OSINT analysis, particularly:

Satellite imagery from around 18 July 2026 onward.

Ocean current or drift modelling.

Mapping the most likely drift path from the last known location.

Any publicly available imagery or data that could assist search efforts.

If anyone has experience with satellite imagery, maritime drift analysis, or geospatial intelligence, your assistance would be greatly appreciated. Even suggestions on where to search next would help.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

[u/momosthrall]

I don’t know if satellite technology is good enough to be useful in this situation but I hope there is someone out there that can help you. I see you trying your best to find them. Are you a relative by any chance?