13/10/2026
Whilst HELPR 1 is based in Vanuatu, she has the capacity and capability to support emergency and disaster response across the wider Pacific region.
HELPR-1 has this week been involved in a search and rescue operation to assist a stranded vessel in waters off the Solomon Islands. Passengers from MV Awka were transferred to HELPR-1 with some requiring medical attention from the onboard medical team. All passengers have now been safely transferred to land.
We thank the Australian Government, through the Australian High Commission, Solomon Islands and the Australian High Commission, Vanuatu, as well as the Australian Maritime Safety Authority - AMSA, for their support during this time.
We also thank the following:
- Solomon Islands Government
- Maritime Recuse Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Honiara
- Temotu Provincial Government
- ROYAL SOLOMON ISLANDS POLICE FORCE
- the Captain and Crew of Guardian Class Patrol Boat Gizo
- the Captain and Crew of MV Awka
- the Captain and Crew of MV HELPR-1
- Lata Hospital Doctor and Nurses