Pacific ferry accident

Tongan ferry sinks, over half passengers missing

Article published on the 2009-08-06 Latest update 2009-08-06 15:12 TU

File photo of Princess Ashika, the ferry that sank northeast of Tongan capital Nuku'alofa
(Photo : Reuters)

A ferry carrying around 92 people has capsized in open waters near Tonga’s capital Nuku’alofa. Only one body has been recovered, a British National carrying a New Zealand driving license, and a further 40 are feared missing.

The Pacific Ashika was enroute to Ha’afeva island from Nuku’alofa when it sank before midnight on Wednesday.

The official log for the ferry said there were 79 passengers and crew on board, but police believe there were more.

Fifty-five passengers and crew have been saved, all men.

Survivor Siaosi Lavaka told the Matangi Tonga Online that the only people he saw reaching the lifeboats were men. He said most of those below deck when the ferry rolled were women and children.

Ferries are widely used in the Pacific islands, where islanders rely on them for transport.