By Tavleen Singh and Som Patidar https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-14/indian-sailors-deaths-strait-of-hormuz/106792790 Share article Three tankers in the Strait of Hormuz have been struck by the US military in the past week, including one on which three Indian sailors were killed. US forces fired “precision munitions” into the engine room of MT Settebello, a Palau-flagged vessel with a majority Indian […]
Author Archives: Island Times
Posted inPacific News
Journalists hold key role
SUVA, 15 JUNE 2026 (FIJI TIMES) — The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) says journalists remain central to strengthening accountability and exposing corruption across the Pacific. UNODC Head of Office and Regional Anti-Corruption Adviser Marie Pegie Cauchois said journalism played a vital role by highlighting regional progress while exposing ongoing challenges. “There […]
Posted inPacific News
Guam’s ocean research, reef protection programmes facing shutdown in FY2027
HAGATNA, 15 JUNE 2026 (PACIFIC ISLAND TIMES) — Guam’s marine science and conservation initiatives are facing termination amid the Trump administration’s proposal to abolish dozens of research and grant programmes under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA’s proposed budget is cut by US$1 billion in fiscal 2027, leaving key environmental programmes on the chopping […]
Posted inPacific News
Goblin shark spotted for first time in its natural habitat — one of the deepest parts of the ocean
HONOLULU/NUKU’ALOFA, 15 JUNE 2026 (THE GUARDIAN) — Rare and eccentric-looking goblin sharks have been seen alive in their deep ocean habitat for the first time ever. Prof Alan Jamieson, director of the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre, said goblin sharks were a bit like the colossal squid – creatures with an almost mythological quality. They were […]
Posted inTop Stories
Ngchesar Voters Reject Recall of House Delegate in Historic Palau Election
Ngchesar State rejects petition-driven ouster in a 123-104 decision, marking a constitutional milestone for the Republic of Palau By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — Ngchesar State voters chose to retain their House of Delegates representative Thursday, defeating a recall effort against Delegate Rebecca Sebalt-Ngirmechaet in what marks the first congressional recall election held under the […]
Posted inTop Stories
Koror Kerngab Reaffirms Gloria Salii as Bilung of Koror, Rejects Title Removal Notice
By: L.N. Reklai KOROR, Palau — The Koror Kerngab, the council of 10 senior female leaders who serve as counterparts to the Ngarameketii, Koror’s traditional council of chiefs, is standing firm: Gloria Gibbons Salii has been and remains the Bilung of Koror and head of the Kerngab since 1975. In a joint statement, the matriarchs […]