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Aussie pilot shot dead in PNG

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Old 15th Mar 2004, 02:17
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Unhappy Aussie pilot shot dead in PNG

Just heard on Sky news - An Aussie pilot who had flown an a/c in from CNS, had withdrawn money from an ATM and was shot dead for $20. I think they said it was in the highlands. They did mention his name but I don't remember exactly and wouldn't want to post the wrong one.
Very very sad.
My condolences to the family.
CT
Go to www.skynews.com.au and there is a link to the story on the main page

Last edited by Woomera; 15th Mar 2004 at 06:33.
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Old 15th Mar 2004, 02:41
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The pilot ws Alan Mourilyan. The following link details the whole sad and sorry story.

Link deleted to respect family and close friends of ALAN
Woomera


Condolences and sympathies to his family.

May god rest his soul.

Last edited by Woomera; 15th Mar 2004 at 06:35.
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Old 15th Mar 2004, 03:02
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Angry

Another needless, tragic and stupid loss of life in PNG!

Condolences to Alan's family.

RIP Alan.

Bob
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Old 15th Mar 2004, 05:06
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Now that the family has been informed by the proper authorities



BIG AL

Allways a smile and never a gripe.
Since Alan started on the PJV contract he has done nothing but good around MT Hagen ,he donated 50 pillows to the Hagen Hospital as they had none, he carries bags of shoes from st vinnies to give the kids around Kagamuga,bags of lollies for kids at the golf club and much more.
Alan ticked over 20 000 hrs last month,all that flying in different parts of the world and it had to come to a violent end on a sunday morning in hagen town.
In my eyes the only cure for PNGs law and order problems is to pack the bags and leave.

Al I,ll crack a bottle of red for u on the back patio of the hagen house
splat
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Old 15th Mar 2004, 05:45
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Deepest condolences to Alan's family and colleagues.

R.I.P.
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Old 15th Mar 2004, 05:53
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ABC News Online
Monday, March 15, 2004. 5:26pm (AEDT)

PNG airline rethinks security after pilot's shooting

PNG Airlines say it will review the security advice it gives to its staff after an Australian pilot was killed in the country's highlands.

Captain Allan Mourilyan from Cairns in far-north Queensland was shot after he withdrew money from an automatic teller machine (ATM) in Mt Hagen yesterday.

PNG Airlines chief executive officer Simon Wild says staff have been shocked by the incident and are being offered counselling.

Mr Wild says work will be done to improve the personal security of employees.

"In Papua New Guinea we have a law and order problem," Mr Wild said.

"Some staff have been threatened and in one case I think they had been stabbed and Allan's the only expatriate staff that has been killed.

"Allan was a valued member in our company and well-liked and respected, not only by our staff members but a lot of the people he's had day-to-day dealings with.

"We're out there to try and support both Allan's family and our staff members at this tragic time."

A group of expatriate Australians living in Mount Hagen is meeting with police to discuss the shooting.

Spokesman Stephen Bell says they are concerned the gang involved in the shooting had been active in the area for some time.

He says the group wants to know why police did not take action before the pilot's death.

===========================================
ABC News Online
Monday, March 15, 2004. 5:24pm (AEDT)

Aust-PNG police talks continue

Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer says talks are continuing in a bid to solve problems in sending Australian police to Papua New Guinea.

Mr Downer met PNG Foreign Minister Sir Rabbie Namaliu and other Asia-Pacific leaders in Sydney today.

He says parts of Australia's enhanced cooperation package with PNG are still being negotiated, including immunity from prosecution for Australian police.

Mr Downer says the death of a 57-year-old Cairns pilot after an armed robbery at an automatic teller machine at Mount Hagen in PNG highlights his concern about law and order.

"That's one of the things that's motivated us in terms of the offers we've made to PNG," he said.

"I don't want to reflect on their police but police need all the help they can get to strengthen the law and order situation in Port Moresby but as you rightly say in places like Mt Hagen and Lae and other parts of the country."

=========================================
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Old 15th Mar 2004, 06:18
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Australian pilot shot dead in PNG


An Australian pilot has been shot dead by criminals in the highlands of Papua New Guinea.

Local media said Captain Alan Mourilyan was held-up at an ATM in Mount Hagen soon after he flew an Airlines PNG aircraft in from Cairns on Sunday morning.

Police told The National newspaper that two thugs, one armed with a pistol, set upon Captain Mourilyan's car after he emerged from the ATM booth.

Local police confirmed the details surrounding murder and the victim's name

They said the pilot gave a 50 kina ($20) note to the bandits but they demanded more.

The pilot then told them he had no more money and started his car engine, but they shot him in the chest.

An eyewitness said a bystander jumped in the car and drove Captain Mourilyan to hospital but he soon died of blood loss.

The newspaper, which also spoke with the victim's co-pilot, said Captain Mourilyan's wife and two children in Australia had been informed of the tragedy.

Police in Mount Hagen said they arrested an armed man believed to be the killer.
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Old 15th Mar 2004, 07:02
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An entirely unnecessary tragedy, our deepest condolences to the family, be careful out there people.

Fresh off the DFAT site.

Papua New Guinea


This Advice is current for Monday, 15 March 2004, EDT
The Advice was issued on Friday, 09 January 2004, 16:04:59, EDT
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

In view of the ongoing risk of terrorist attacks globally and regionally, Australians in Papua New Guinea are advised to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect their safety.

Visitors should take appropriate security precautions, avoid isolated areas and not walk alone, especially at night.

Australian travellers should be aware of the increased threat of terrorism globally and consult the 'General advice to Australian travellers' at address: http://www.dfat.gov.au/zw.cgi/view/Advice/General .

Safety and Security

Australians in Papua New Guinea are advised to exercise caution and monitor developments that might affect their safety. Crime rates are high in the capital Port Moresby, including car thefts, assaults, bag snatching and other robberies. Lae, and some other urban centres in the Highlands provinces, have also experienced increases in criminal activity in recent years. Visitors should take appropriate security precautions, avoid isolated areas and not walk alone, especially at night. The settlement areas of towns and cities, and particularly those in Port Moresby, should be avoided. To date major hotels in most tourist and urban areas have been found to have reliable security measures in place.

Car hijackings and armed robberies continue in Port Moresby and in certain locations along the highway between Lae and the Nadzab Airport. Travellers should remain vigilant while travelling this road, especially the two and nine mile settlement areas. There have been outbreaks of ethnic violence in Lae andPort Moresby, particularly near settlements, marketplaces and some low cost housing. Travellers should avoid these areas, but also be aware that crime is opportunistic and can occur anywhere and at anytime. Violence and use of 'bush knives' (machetes) and firearms often accompany assault and theft attempts.

Prior to travel, Australians should ensure they have a variety of financial options available to them including credit cards, travellers cheques and US dollars cash. In particular, Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) locations should be confirmed with your card provider before travel.

Australians should only carry sufficient cash for their daily needs, secure their valuables against theft and avoid displays of wealth at all times. Under no circumstances should valuables be left unattended. Photocopies of valuables such as passport, tickets, driving licence and travellers cheques should be kept separately.

The Kokoda Track was reopened for all walkers on 23 November 2001 and landowners have made strong commitments to look after tourists and other visitors to the track area. Walkers should contact PNG's Tourism Promotion Authority (TPA) on telephone (675) 3200211 about payment of the applicable fee. Australians intending to walk the Kokoda Track should take due care during their trek and are advised to travel with guides from a reputable tour company. Facilities along the track are limited and conditions can at times be very demanding; walkers are advised to consult their doctor and register with the High Commission before undertaking the walk.

Bougainville has had an effective ceasefire in place since April 1998 following the nine year civil war, and is no longer closed to outsiders. However, several years ago landowners requested that outsiders stay away from the mountainous area in central Bougainville, around the old Panguna mine. Australians should still not travel into this 'No Go Zone' and are advised to exercise caution when travelling in other parts of Bouganville. Those planning to visit Bougainville should consider their travel plans carefully and discuss these with the High Commission before travelling.

Madang, New Ireland, East and West New Britain, East Sepik, Manus and Milne Bay Province are popular destinations for travellers and there have been few incidents involving tourists in recent years. This is also the case for many rural areas of Papua New Guinea's four regions (Papua, Highlands, Momase and New Guinea Islands). Nevertheless, it is recommended that sensible precautions be taken in these areas, particularly after dark and in remote locations.

Australians are advised not to use public transport in Papua New Guinea, known locally as PMVs, as it is unreliable and can be hazardous, due to poor maintenance and frequent robberies. Roads are generally in poor condition.

There are a number of active volcanoes in Papua New Guinea (Rabaul, Bougainville, West New Britain, Manam Islands). Travellers should be aware of potential eruptions and not climb any active volcano. Persons with respiratory problems may find that airborne ash exacerbates their condition.

Local Law and Customs

Australians are reminded that when overseas, they are subject to local laws. A violation of local laws may result in a jail sentence, served in a local prison.

Entry and Exit Requirements

Visa conditions are subject to change. For up-to-date visa information, Australians should contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Papua New Guinea, well in advance of travel.

Health Issues

HIV/AIDS is a serious concern and safe sex practices are essential.

Australians intending to visit or transit Papua New Guinea should be aware of quarantine procedures introduced by the PNG authorities for individuals showing symptoms of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). Persons planning to visit or transit Papua New Guinea should be aware that as a result of screening arrangements recommended by the World Health organisation, individuals who show symptoms of SARS may be taken to hospital in Papua New Guinea for assessment and be required to remain in hospital if they are a suspected SARS case.

Malaria is prevalent in a number of areas, especially during the rainy season (November to April). Dengue is present throughout the entire country. Travellers should take appropriate medication and use both insect repellents and insecticide spray.

Whilst water in major cities and towns may be potable, it is advisable to drink bottled water, or boil or sterilise water before drinking. Oral Rehydration solutions are a necessity if travelling in the countryside.

Travellers should seek additional information on health issues, including appropriate vaccinations, from a doctor or a travel clinic before arrival. Contact details for travel health clinics can be found in our 'Travelling Well' brochure available on the department's website.

Travel and Health Insurance

Travel and health insurance is strongly recommended for all overseas travel. Travellers should check with their insurer to make sure that their policy meets their needs. In particular, they should ensure that their insurance covers medical evacuations. Travellers should be aware that some insurance companies will not pay claims which arise when travellers have disregarded the Government's travel advice.

Consular Assistance and Registration

Australians are strongly advised to register with the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby. Further information and consular assistance may be obtained from:

Australian High Commission
Godwit Road
Waigani NCD
Port Moresby Papua New Guinea
Telephone (675) 3259333
Facsimile (675) 3259239

Limited consular assistance, which does not include the issue of Australian passports, may also be obtained from:

Australian Consulate
Mataram Street
Morobe Province
Lae Papua New Guinea
Telephone (675) 4722466
Facsimile (675) 4722726

The department also offers an on-line registration service, accessible via the internet, at http://www.orao.dfat.gov.au . Australians planning travel, and those overseas, are encouraged to monitor our travel advice updates, including through use of our free subscription service, at smartraveller.com.au.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra can be contacted for information on (02) 62613305.
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Old 15th Mar 2004, 08:41
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Vale Big Al

One of Aviation's true gentlemen has been taken in in yet another incident in PNG. It's time to give the whole place the big dummy guys. Let them go back to the stone age where they belong.
Al was one of the happiest guys I ever flew with, even though Life had dealt him some pretty rough hands. He was a deeply religious man in the proper practical sense, though he never let the dogma get in the way of a fun time. His generosity both in and out of the cockpit is legendary and I know all that came in contact with him will mourn his loss. See you later Mate!
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Old 15th Mar 2004, 11:02
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RIP old mate

I can only second all the positive comments above...Al really was one of the good guys and, as usual, PNG didn't deserve him.

PNG is so far beyond help it is not real.

For those who feel they can't leave yet, for whatever reason, get a gun and use it first....better to travel south in Business class than hold 6.

Worked for me.

But really just get out...PNG is on a no return slid back to the stone ages...leave them to it....as the years pass since I escaped it's more and more difficult to believe that I stayed so long.

Al is not alone tonight, there is an alarmingly large group of mates easing his passage to Valhalla.

Deepest condolences for his family!!!

Chuck.

PS. Mr Downer perhaps it's time you did reflect on PNG Pollies and Police...they are useless...I'd bet a months pay the gang members are Wantoks of the local cops
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Old 15th Mar 2004, 13:13
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Unhappy Farewell and Godspeed Al

A great guy, who was one of the first to help me out in my start to aviation. I have alot to thank him for. The news is definately devastating to say the least; the loss of a true gentlemen.

Chimbu, you couldn't have said it better. The tarnished imagine of PNG is only mired in more shiet of the undignified acts of humanity it continues to demonstrate that show that its leaders are not prepared to address the weaping sore of corruption and ramport crime. They are leaders spelt with a small "l"; more like bandits. Tin pot country with tin pot thinking.

Meanwhile the Australian Government pussy foots around with funding and grants to these imbiciles.

My sincerest condolences to Al's family and friends. God Bless you all, and Rest in Peace Al.

Can anyone advise what the arrangements are, where and when?
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Old 15th Mar 2004, 14:28
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Unhappy

This has alarming similarities to the Fatal shooting of an Air Niugini pilot some time ago, when he was murdered in his car in which his wife and kids were travelling. Also an Air Niugini Pilot was medevaced to Cairns after a "Rascal" chopped of a couple of fingers whilst stealing his Nav Bag while he was walking from the tower to the crew room. It could be anybody.......It happened to me. I had an axe embedded in my back simply because the guy who was robbing the aero club along with four others, was QUOTE "Cranky" UNQUOTE after he jumped up on to the bar counter, and ran into a ceiling fan.
Chuck is absolutely correct... this country is totally out of control.
These "Rascals" (I used to think that meant a very naughty little boy till I met them in Port Moresby) take their lead from the most corrupt bunch of slimy politicians ever to walk the earth, and simply rob and steal whoever they can take it from.
The vasy majority of PNG Citizens are honest, God fearing folk who despair of the situation every bit as much as the expats who are leaving, or like Chuck and I, who have left, but they can't do anything. The support of the Police Force isn't there, and they have simply given up. They have no resources, are badly led, and have no incentive.
I am certain Winstun will think that we are being nasty to the Rascals. Beleive me Mate, I couldn't get nasty enough.
I reiterate what Chuck said...get out whilst you are still alive.

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Old 15th Mar 2004, 15:10
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It is aweful indeed to read about the brutal and senseless killing of a gentleman who by all accounts was a family man, a community man and above all, a well liked and respected individual. My sincere condolences go out to his family.

I didn't know Allan, as I suspect he arrived after I had left, having myself spent 27 years in PNG. However, I feel as if I may well have been his friend, having worked in the same industry, and company, and I am sure we would have shared similar thoughts and experiences. It takes a special type of person to do that job in PNG and to have his life wrested from him is unconscionable.

Allen RIP. People will remember you

Friends of mine over the years have had their wife raped in front of them; held hostage and bound to a chair in their own house with their car stolen loaded and then stolen with personal items ,only to daringly return hours later to reload the stolen car with more booty; had a pistol shoved up their mouth to relieve them of the days takings of a business; had to defend themselves and suffer horrific injuries against bushknife wielding thugs (raskal is too kind a word) in the Phoenix Bar and the Dero. My step-father, a former teacher, told me of the case of a primary student of his who was raped along with her mother at gunpoint in front of their father/husband.

Mr Downer are you listening??????????????
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Old 15th Mar 2004, 22:46
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Thanks for the link.

Bloody tragic and senseless.

How often does this continue to happen?

Land of the Unexpected - Unfortunately another good man taken by these animals and we who have left the place EXPECT it! What's normal and civilised about that?

To back Ivan's words:

Are you listening Mr Downer?

Swift justice (Capital is all these bottom dwellers understand) and condolences to the family.


Last edited by Woomera; 16th Mar 2004 at 03:53.
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Old 15th Mar 2004, 23:43
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My sincere condolences to the families involved in this senseless murder.

Rascals my arse!!

What a joke of a word.
Why not call them murderers, rapists, thieves and cut-throats that they really are!!!

The majority of PNG people are humble god-fearing folk but these guys ought to be treated as any heinous fellon.

The fact remains that law and order is a joke, the criminal justice system leaves alot to be desired and their jails are a farce.

Get rid of payback, bride-price, compensation and the wontok system (which protects alot of these criminals) and you may get half a chance of order in their society.

I know its their culture but at what cost??

As one mate of mine said in the eighties after being savaged by a machete "what these guys need is Lee Kuan Yu running the show with 3 thousand South African policeman!!"

Sounds very racist but a practicle solution according to this mate that lost 2 litres of blood and almost an arm.
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Old 16th Mar 2004, 09:01
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Angry

So why arn't people arming themselves and shooting these animals in the forehead when confronted????
they wanna hope I don't get diagnosed with cancer or something similar.
a couple of well organised vigilante groups would settle things down a tad I believe.
good to see my tax dollars going to a good cause!!!!!!!
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Old 16th Mar 2004, 09:05
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Violence begets violence.........

And with so many raskals, often protected by politicians, Police or the military, you'd need the entire US Marine force to get them all under control!
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Old 16th Mar 2004, 09:21
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AAP

Pilot's family want body returned
March 16, 2004

THE family of an Australian pilot killed by bandits in Papua New Guinea hope for a prompt return of his body for a funeral this weekend.

Cairns resident Alan Mourilyan, 57, was held up then shot dead by bandits in the highlands town of Mount Hagen shortly after piloting an Airlines PNG flight from Cairns on Sunday.

Airline spokesman Reg Childs said today the company had yet to receive a police report or a decision by PNG authorities on the release of the body.

"So we're all waiting. Our sincere hope is that we can expect the body tomorrow or early Thursday and I think the family's hoping for a funeral on Friday or Saturday."

A memorial service is also planned by Airlines PNG in PNG in the next day or two.

Local police said three young men set upon Captain Mourilyan's car shortly after he withdrew money from an ATM.

They demanded cash then one drew a pistol and shot him at close range. The pilot died on the way to hospital.

Police said they had arrested the gunman, but the other men escaped.

Longtime friend and fellow pilot Graham Syphers, of Mapleton near Noosa, said Capt Mourilyan was a professional and experienced pilot who was easygoing and unflappable.

"He was one of nature's gentleman. I can't recall anybody ever saying anything bad about the bloke."

Mr Syphers flew with Capt Mourilyan in PNG from 1993 and said his longtime friend loved working in PNG.

"If you've done more than a couple of years up there it's like the circus in your blood and you go back – and even though law and order is non-existent now, a lot of people tend to take the punt."

Daniela Marsilli, managing director of National Jet Systems where Capt Mourilyan worked for eight years until last July, said staff were shocked and saddened by his death.

She said he was well-liked and respected by his colleagues and the company's sympathies went to his family.

Capt Mourilyan had two children by his first wife, who lives in Australia. His second and current wife lives in Cairns. Family members began arriving in the city today.

Capt Mourilyan's murder has added urgency to negotiations between the Australian and PNG governments over a plan to deploy Australian police to fight crime in PNG.

Mount Hagen has been identified along with the cities of Port Moresby and Lae as a key base for Australia's impending deployment of 230 police.

AAP

===========================================
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Old 16th Mar 2004, 12:08
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Dear AL (BIG AL ),

Well what can I say I have known you for 14 years and have never seen you without a smile on your face and your easy going nature to all aspects of life and aviation.
I have only just heard the news and this is a truly sad day for me.
Al you were one of the best and most respected guys that I ever flew with, I will miss you and the happy times we spent out on the golf course and the 19th.
Take care mate and GOD bless, my deepest sympathy goes out to all your family.

Regards Fruit Bat
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Old 16th Mar 2004, 12:35
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Woomera,
USMC would do ok, but there doing it tough in Haiti at the moment. Of course over this way we have alot of violence too just its more Drug gand related.

My condolences to the families , this is s a terrible tragedy, all be it PNG seems to be sliding in total Anarchy. The PNG Governement are a farce and the should be totally ashamed of their attempt at self rule since Australia left in the Seventies.

Sheep
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