AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-2009
FED: Australia to provide closure for Tongan ferry victims
CANBERRA, Aug 7 AAP - Australia will help recover the bodies of victims of Tonga's
ferry tragedy, providing closure to families affected by the disaster that is thought
to have claimed more than 60 lives.
An Australian Army and Royal Australian Air Force team will be deployed to Tonga on
Friday, where 62 people are believed to have died when a ferry sank off the island's coast.
Rescue boats have managed to pick up 53 survivors and the bodies of two people, while
hope fades for the remainder of the 117 passengers who were on board the MV Princess Ashika.
An Australian C-130 Hercules aircraft will also be sent to assist, as well as medical
staff and divers, following a formal request from the Tongan government for help.
Defence Minister John Faulkner said the ferry sank in a relatively shallow area, 86km
from the Tongan capital of Nuku'alofa, aiding the recovery effort.
"As the depth of water appears to be relatively shallow where the ferry is located,
it should be possible for the Royal Australian Navy Clearance Dive team to operate," he
said.
"The recovery of the bodies is an unpleasant but necessary job, but it will allow families
the opportunity to farewell their loved ones."
Most of the passengers feared dead were women and children sleeping indoors on lower
decks when the boat became unbalanced and rolled quickly just before midnight on Wednesday.
New Zealand has also promised to help with victim identification and to compile a formal
accident report.
Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, who wrapped up the Pacific Island Forum on Thursday, said
he and his fellow leaders had been very distressed at hearing the news.
"This is a large human tragedy for what is, at the end of the day, a small community,"
Mr Rudd said.
It is believed to be Tonga's worst ferry disaster in 30 years.
AAP cj/so/jfm/de
KEYWORD: TONGA FERRY AUST WRAP
2009 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.
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