More than 100 people are believed to be missing after the sinking of a ferry early Thursday in the Vitiaz Strait about 10 miles off the coast of Papua New Guinea. According to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, the MV Rebaul Queen was carrying about 350 passengers from New Britain Island to the Papua New Guinea mainland when it ran into trouble and capsized.
The ferry sent out an emergency alert and nearby boats rushed to the scene. At least 238 people were rescued from life boats or pulled from the water. Rescue teams continued to search the area for about 112 people until it began to get dark. The search will be resumed at dawn on Friday.
So far, no deaths have been reported. Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said authorities “are doing everything within out power” to find the missing. "I'm pleased that a large number of people have been rescued. We're deeply concerned about those who are still missing,” he said.
Authorities believe high wind and rough seas caused the accident.
###
Click here for more World News
