Hundreds missing in ferry tragedy

Feb 2 2012

Rescue crews have plucked 28 survivors from the water off Papua New Guinea's (PNG) north-east coast after a ferry sank with as many as 350 people on board.

The MV Rabaul Queen went down when travelling between the coastal towns of Lae and Kimbe after it sent a distress signal, the country's National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) said.

Rescue co-ordinator Captain Nurur Rahman said four merchant ships were diverted to the scene by Australian authorities to help with the rescue.

"They have rescued 28 people who are now on board one vessel," Capt Rahman said. "I cannot confirm or deny the 350 missing number, it is hearsay. I have not seen the manifest as yet, but it is likely around 300," he added.

Australian prime minister Julia Gillard said there were 350 people aboard and that Australia was providing assistance to its near neighbour.

"This is obviously a major tragedy," she told reporters in Melbourne. "Given the likely very high loss of life here, 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."

Capt Rahman said he was being fed information from an NMSA agent on board one of the ships.

"The dynamics of this thing are changing all the time, minute by minute," he said.

Earlier, an unnamed NMSA official said two helicopters from Lae had also joined the operation.

Ferry operator Star Ships could not be immediately contacted for comment.