All 73 passengers and crew were rescued after their Solomon Islands ferry drifted at sea for days.

What it means

A passenger ferry, the MV Awka, carrying 73 passengers and crew lost engine power and drifted in Solomon Islands waters for about three days before all aboard were rescued by an international operation. The incident underscores the risks of maritime travel in remote Pacific island nations, where inter-island ferries often operate with limited safety infrastructure.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim is solid, based on reporting from ABC News Australia, which cites the Solomon Islands Maritime Authority. Consistent details—the vessel name, number of people aboard, and the successful rescue—are confirmed across multiple reputable news outlets, including Xinhua and Anadolu Agency, making the core facts well-supported.

How new

Genuinely new; the event unfolded and was reported on October 11–12, 2026.

Go deeper

• ABC News Australia (Top) — first to publish