200 rescued, 150 missing after ferry sinks

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.

The Australian maritime agency initially detected the ferry's distress beacon and alerted the PNG Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre, which is organising the rescue effort. The Australian statement said 219 survivors had been recovered by five ships by this morning.

It said 350 people were believed to be on board, but Papua New Guinea's National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) rescue co-ordinator Captain Nurur Rahman said the true figure was probably lower.

"I cannot confirm or deny the 350 missing number, it is hearsay. I have not seen the manifest as yet, but it is likely around 300," he said.

Australian prime minister Julia Gillard said there were 350 people aboard and that Australia was providing assistance to its near neighbour.

"This is obviously a major tragedy," she told reporters in Melbourne.

"Given the likely very high loss of life here, I think when this news comes to the attention of Australians around the country they will be thinking about the people of PNG as they respond to this tragedy."

Capt Rahman said he was being fed information from an NMSA agent on board one of the ships.

"The dynamics of this thing are changing all the time, minute by minute," he said.

Earlier, an unnamed NMSA official said two helicopters from Lae had also joined the operation.

NMSA rescue co-ordinator Fred Siroi said he would make a public statement later.

Ferry operator Star Ships could not be immediately contacted for comment.