Madang - General Info
Description:
This harbor lies on the north coast of the main island. It is a very pretty area with numerous anchorages available in the large harbor which offers protection all year round.
There are a couple of boatyards here, more used to dealing with ships however yachts can be handled too.
Entrance Notes and Cautions:
It has been reported that 30 miles east of Madang, Ramu Nickel Mine (cobalt & nickel) pumps sulfuric acid contaminated with arsene, mercury, etc. into the sea. It is recommended to avoid local fish and swimming in the area.
Security:
Madang is a popular stop with cruisers on their way to Indonesia, however, security problems have worsened here, similar to those afflicting Lae and Port Moresby. Whilst there have been no incidents reported to Noonsite since October 2015, local sailors still warn that this is a dangerous place to visit (February 2020). See related comments for feedback.
Position:
05° 12.57’S, 145° 47.88’E (harbor entrance)
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Related to following destinations: Madang, Main Island, Papua New Guinea
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Update 2019/2020: Recommendation to stay away!
We live and work in Madang as development workers, while we left our sailing boat in Central America. Athough Madang area is extremely beautiful with amazing anchorages and the locals are usually extremely (!) nice, the security situation is very dangerous.
Multiple pirate attacks occured in the last months. Local transport boats, dinghies, etc. get attacked frequently. Several people got killed, raped, injured with machetes, dropped into the sea, lost at sea. My wife was lucky to miss a pirate attack by some minutes.
I would love to come back by boat to visit all the lovely friends I met here – but it seems to be impossible at the moment. The outlook for the future is negative, as well: The situation is getting worse at the moment, not better. All locals agree with that opinion.
additional information 2019/2020
30 miles east of Madang, Ramu Nickel Mine (cobalt & nickel) pumps 1700m3 of concentrated sulfuric acid per hour (!) into the sea – contaminated with arsene, mercury, etc.
Water quality of the whole region is to be questioned. Don’t catch & eat fish, don’t go swimming within 50 miles of that area.
Boarding and Attack: 18/10/2015
While anchored in Hansa Bay (04 11.7 N 144 53.3 E) in Madang Province, between Madang and Wewak, northeast of Bogia.
We were boarded by 2 men armed with machetes. A violent confrontation followed with the boarders intent on killing or seriously wounding the crew. The two attackers were thrown overboard, but not before inflicting a serious wound to the forearm of the captain.
Please be extra vigilant and well prepared when cruising mainland PNG.
The local village people were very helpful and the wound was stitched at the local clinic. The attackers were from another area.
Allen Robyn Berthelsen
SY Surya