Australia responds to sinking of MV Rabaul Queen

Media release

Canberra

2 February 2012

Australia will provide assistance to Papua New Guinea after an incident involving a vessel with 350 people on board today.

Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said the MV Rabaul Queen was believed to have sunk while travelling from Kimbe to Lae, in Papua New Guinea, at around 7.30am this morning, Canberra time.

"Our hearts go out to those affected by the sinking of the MV Rabaul Queen," Mr Rudd said.

"I spoke to my counterpart, PNG Foreign Minister Ano Pala, earlier today to inform him that Australia stands ready to offer all necessary assistance."

Around 350 people are thought to have been on board. At this time, there is no information on the number of casualties.

The Australian High Commission in Port Moresby is seeking to confirm whether any Australians were on board the MV Rabaul Queen.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority has arranged ships in the area to conduct rescues and for aircraft to fly over the area this afternoon. These aircraft will assist with dropping rescue equipment, including life rafts. Local rescue efforts are also currently underway.

If you have any concerns for the welfare of family and friends in the region, you should first attempt to contact them directly.

If you are unable to contact them and still hold concerns for their welfare, you should call the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1 300 555 135.

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