Ferry sinks in PNG carrying 350 passengers
2nd February 2012
Over 230 rescued as Australia sends ships and aircraft to assist rescue effort off PNG east coast
PNG's National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) say that the MV Rabaul Queen sent a distress call on its scheduled run between Lae and the West New Britain town of Kimbel. With overcrowding common on PNG ferries it is feared that there could have been up to 350 people on board.
Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said there was likely to be a very high loss of life.
"This is obviously a major tragedy," she said in Melbourne. "We are providing every assistance to PNG."
An aeroplane from Australia, three helicopters and eight ships scoured the waters after the ferry sank 50 miles (80km) east of Lae, PNG's second largest city. Rescue equipment, such as lifeboats, was dropped from the plane.
NMSA Rescue co-ordinator Captain Nurur Rahman also confirmed that four merchant ships were diverted to the scene by Australian authorities to help with the rescue.
The rescue mission was suspended until dawn Friday but Captain Rahman was hopeful more survivors would be found.
"People have survived up to two days in these waters," he said.
Captain Rahman said most of the survivors were uninjured, although one had a dislocated shoulder.
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