Filed by KOSU News in World News.
February 2, 2012

“Rescuers have plucked 238 survivors from waters off Papua New Guinea after a ferry carrying up to 350 people sank,” officials tell The Australian. The newspaper adds that officials say it’s too early to declare whether the vessel was overloaded and what caused the disaster.

According to Australia’s ABC News, rescuers are having a difficult time because of high winds and rough seas. It adds that “police in Kimbe, where the ferry sailed from, say most of the passengers were students and trainee teachers. … Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs says the ferry’s owners do not believe foreigners were onboard, however consular officials are still seeking confirmation.”

Kimbe, however, is “a popular dive site that attracts tourists from across the world,” ABC adds. [Copyright 2012 National Public Radio]