By MALUM NALU
No bodies have yet been recovered from the ill-fated
mv Rabaul Queen as of today, a source
in Lae told me today (Saturday).
He said 246 survivors were brought in to Lae
yesterday (Friday), one, a woman, who died while the rest were being cared for
at the provincial disaster centre or were undergoing treatment at Angau
Memorial Hospital.
“They (authorities) are hoping for the weather to
subside before they continue the search for survivors or dead bodies.”
The source said Rabaul Shipping owner Peter Sharpe
said there had been 385 passengers on board mv Rabaul Queen when she sank in rough seas off Finschhafen, Morobe
province, on Thursday morning while en route to Lae from Kimbe.
“Most of them were students from New Guinea Islands
who were returning to school,” the source said.
“Others were passengers and students from Lae who
visited their families in the New Guinea Islands over Christmas and were
returning.
“Strong winds and rough seas were blamed for tilting
the ship over.
“Two hundred and forty-six (246) were rescued and
were brought to Angau hospital yesterday.
“One of the survivors died.
“They are gathered at the disaster centre in Lae.
“Some were brought to hospital for medical checkup.
“Relatives are crowded at the disaster centre
waiting for news.
“It is estimated that more than 100 passengers are
still missing.”
One of those grieving is district administrator for
Mutzing, Markham Valley, John Orebut, whose two young sons were on the
ill-fated vessel; however, only one had been rescued.
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