ADF RESCUES FOUR SERIOUSLY INJURED PEOPLE IN SOLOMON ISLANDS

ADF rescues four seriously injured people in Solomon Islands The Australian Defence Force’s (ADF) Indo-Pacific Endeavour Task Group (IPE18) has assisted the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force in rescuing four seriously injured people after a violent incident occurred in an outlying part of the country. The incident occurred on Bellona Island, about 200 kilometres south of the Solomon Island’s capital Honiara. It is understood a seven year old girl died as a result of the attack last night (Friday). Commander of IPE18, Captain Jim Hutton, said the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force requested assistance from the Joint Task Group through the Australian High Commission. “We were asked to help retrieve the injured and bring them to hospital in Honiara for further treatment,” Captain Hutton said. “I’m pleased that we had the capability to be able to assist in such a critical situation.” At 6.15am local time, two MRH-90 helicopters left HMAS Adelaide with two accident and emergency teams on board and five Royal Solomon Islands policemen. They returned to the ship about three hours later with four patients: three males aged 16, 59 and 68 and a 34-year-old female. All had deep laceration wounds and were transferred to the Honiara Referral Hospital in stable conditions. “Today’s operation highlights the value of what we are doing in the region, the capability that we have and our commitment to do all we can to help our friends in times of need,” Captain Hutton said. Royal Solomon Islands Police are investigating the matter.