Ferry sinks off coast of Papua New Guinea

Scores of people were missing off Papua New Guinea today after a ferry carrying about 350 passengers sank, with many feared dead. Over 230 people were saved by local and Australian rescue craft. The MV Rabaul Queen, operated by PNG company Star Ships, sank about 16 kilometres from Papau New Guinea’s northern coast. According to Captain Nurur Rahman, from PNG's National Maritime Safety Authority, most of the passengers were able to make use of life jackets and life rafts. Australia is providing assistance to the PNG rescue effort, and Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard said the Australian people will keep the victims in their thoughts.

“I think when this news comes to the attention of Australians around the country, they will be thinking about the people of PNG as they respond to this tragedy”, she said.

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neill said the government would carry out a full investigation into the disaster, citing the importance of sea transport in the island nation.


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