Police in Solomon Islands have called off the search for two men missing at sea since Tuesday.
The tip of a submerged boat that sank near Bungana in Solomon Islands on 25 June 2019. 20 people were rescued by the 26th but two men are still missing. Photo: Supplied
The pair were travelling from Honiara to Bungana with 20 other passengers in a boat powered by an outboard motor which developed engine problems before being swamped by rough seas.
All passengers except the two men were rescued on the first night of the search.
Some of their relatives are continuing to look for the pair as police turn their attention to investigating the incident.
The police said the pair had reportedly been drinking alcohol and were inebriated at the time of the incident.
As the investigation continues, police are warning people in the province not to overload their boats and to make sure they check weather reports before attempting inter-island crossings.
They are also warning boat operators to ensure they have enough life jackets onboard and ban the consumption of alcohol on boats.