Passenger Ferry, MV Rabaul Queen, Sinks Off Papua New Guinea

MV Rabaul Queen at the port of Kimbe

Between 5 and 6 AM Thursday morning, the passenger ferry, MV Rabaul Queen, capsized about 10 miles off Finschhafen on the northern coast of Papua New Guinea.  The ferry had a capacity for 300 people, but as many as 350 people are believed to have been aboard. More than 200 have now been pulled from the sea by rescuers. At least one hundred remaining unaccounted for. The ferry was sailing between the ports of Kimbe and Lae when it sent a distress call.  The cause of the sinking has not been determined but there were reports of strong northwesterly winds and sea swells of up to 5 meters.    The MV Rabaul Queen is reported to have been a 1983-built, 259 gross ton, Papua New Guinea-flagged passenger/ro-ro ferry operated by PNG’s Star Ships.  Thanks to Alaric Bond for passing on the news.

More Than 200 Rescued After Ferry Sinks Off Papua New Guinea

Comments

Passenger Ferry, MV Rabaul Queen, Sinks Off Papua New Guinea — 2 Comments

  1. The Star shipping company needs to be investigated. I’ve been on that ship with my Fiance from USA which is my wife today. Those ships are very disgusting and and I felt for my people from Rabaul and Papua New Guinea. My Mum (aunt) and cousin are on that ship. The owner is the Marine chairman and don’t like, other companies to join his old ragged ships. A good example was MV Minigulai; it was clean safe and being recommended as a five star ship. I don’t know why he name his ships star while it’s unhygienic, filty, overcrowded and which are being bargained for a cheap cost from Asia to make more money. My concern is that, when I first got on that ship, I will never, ever be on it again. It’s not only about making money, but helping people without suitable income and providing cheapest, helpful transportation to other ports. It’s the main transportation for students and here is where the FUTURE and life lies. Please I Strongly command an investigation into the company or he ( Chairman- Peter Sharp) be voted out. Thanks God Blessed.. If not I wish the terrorist come and bombed them down and good for achoring while going fishing ha.. ha.. ha.. hope the guys from Rabaul would love that because the fish will be sheltering in it…ha..ha..

  2. mv Rabaul Qween was not a ro-ro ship and never was & capt peter sharp
    is not the chairman of any marine board his brother hamish sharp is the chairman, the australian amsa spent millions setting up png nmsa australian tax payers money and it has failed for numerous reasons
    I was 35years till 2009 a coastal master out of rabaul, graft & corruption is the order of the day has been for many years..