PNG ferry in trouble, 350 feared missing



AUSTRALIAN Prime Minister Julia Gillard says there is likely to be a very high death toll from a ferry sinking in Papua New Guinea.


The ferry carrying 350 people this morning sent a distress signal from waters between Lae and Kimbe West.

Ms Gillard later said the boat had sunk.

“There has been a boat go down in PNG with, as we understand it, 350 people on board,” Ms Gillard said in Melbourne.

“This is obviously a major tragedy.

“We have been asked to provide assistance to PNG and we are providing assistance to PNG.”

Mr Gillard did not elaborate on the assistance.

Australian officials were also trying to find out whether any Australians were on board, she said.

“But 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.”

National Maritime Safety Authority spokesman Fred Siroi said a rescue mission was under way after the MV Rabaul Queen sent a distress signal about 8.30am.

Management company Star Ships lost contact with the vessel.

Lae is located about 300km north of the country’s capital, Port Moresby.

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