NZ media: Ferry sinks off Tonga, 33 missing
16:26, 6 August 2009
WELLINGTON. August 6. KAZINFORM. A ferry has sunk off the coast of the Pacific Island nation of Tonga, with 33 people reported missing, New Zealand media reported on Thursday; Kazinform refers to China Daily.
A search and rescue operation has been launched by New Zealand Search and Rescue Coordination centre, after a distress call was received about 11 p.m. on Wednesday (1100 GMT), the New Zealand Press Association reported.
The ferry, carrying 45 passengers and 30 crew was believed to have sunk about 86 km northeast of the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa.
The ferry had been travelling from Nuku'alofa to Ha'afeva, in the Nomuka Islands group; Kazinform cites China Daily. See www.chinadaily.com for full version.