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NZ media: Ferry sinks off Tonga, 33 missing

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-08-06 05:33

WELLINGTON: 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.

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.

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The ferry, carrying 45 passengers and 30 crew was believed to have sunk about 86 km northeast of the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa.

The first vessel on the scene had taken 42 people from the water, NZPA said. Other vessels and a New Zealand airforce plane were expected in the area during the morning.

The weather conditions were reported to be moderate.

The ferry had been travelling from Nuku'alofa to Ha'afeva, in the Nomuka Islands group.