Ferry Sinks Off Papua New Guinea With 350 Aboard

[itsrobert]

PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea February 2, 2012, 12:11 am ET
PORT MORESBY, Papua New Guinea (AP) — Rescuers have plucked 50 survivors from the sea off Papua New Guinea's east coast after a ferry sank Thursday with as many as 350 people on board, officials said.

An airplane from Australia, three helicopters and six ships were scouring the search area after the MV Rabaul Queen went down while traveling from Kimbe on the island of New Britain to coastal town of Lae on the main island, Australian Maritime Safety Authority said in a statement.

Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard called the incident a "major tragedy" and said her country was providing assistance to its near neighbor.

"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," she added.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=146256534

[maddezmom]

1. More than 200 rescued in deadly PNG ferry sinking

Feb 2 (Reuters) - Rescuers plucked more than 200 people from the sea off Papua New Guinea on Thursday after a ferry sank, leaving more than 100 missing and many feared dead, Australian authorities said.

"This is obviously a major tragedy - 350 people on board a ship that has gone down," Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard told reporters in Melbourne.

"It is likely a very high loss of life here."

Australia's Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) said 219 people had been rescued after eight vessels and three helicopters were diverted to the scene where MV Rabaul Queen went down early on Thursday.

AMSA spokeswoman Carly Lusk however said a greater loss of life may have been avoided as sea conditions were good, with a 10 knot (18kmh) wind and a light swell.

more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/02/png-boat-idUSL4E8D21FX20120202