Papua New Guinea: Ferry sinks, taking 350 passengers with it
Local officials have confirmed that a ferry carrying 350 passengers has sunk off the northern coast of Papua New Guinea.
Reports say at least 50 people have been rescued, with six merchant ships and three helicopters currently involved in the rescue effort.
The ferry, named Rabaul Queen, sent out distress signals early this morning, Thursday 2 February, while travelling between Kimbe and Lae.
The area between Kimbe and Lae is where the ferry was travelling when it crashed.
According to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority - AMSA, the accident occurred 16km off the coast of Finschhafen.
They also said four of the ships at the scene were trying to rescue the victims, while helicopters were dropping lifeboats for survivors to cling to.
Captain Nurur Rahman said that when the ferry began to show signs of sinking, he ordered all passengers to put on life jackets.
According to a spokesman for the ferry's management agency, bad weather was the cause of the capsize. Rescue efforts are still ongoing; 219 people have been rescued. There are no exact reports of casualties.
According to (VTC News)
