Huge operation to rescue ferry passengers in Papua New Guinea

Rescue crews plucked more than 200 survivors from the sea off Papua New Guinea’s north-east coast today, after a ferry sank with as many as 350 people on board.

A plane from Australia, three helicopters and six ships were scouring the search area after the MV Rabaul Queen went down while travelling from Kimbe on the island of New Britain to the coastal town of Lae on the main island, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority said.