More than 30 missing after ferry sinks

An overnight ferry flipped in heavy seas off the Pacific island of Tonga, leaving more than 30 people missing and feared dead.

Rescuers who plucked more than 50 survivors from the sea were hopeful of finding more, but positive signs are fading after almost a full day’s searching.

Tongan officials confirmed one death.

Officials and a witness said that all or many of those unaccounted for were women and children.

The Princess Ashika overturned some 55 miles north-east of the capital, Nuku’alofa.

Tongan Transport Minister Paul Karalus said 86 passengers and crew were on board, though the exact number was not clear.

He said the number of missing was around 33.