Papua New Guinea | 2 Feb 2012
Premier Anna Bligh has offered condolences and help to Papua New Guinea in the wake of the sinking of a ferry with up to 350 people on board.
The MV Rabaul Queen sent a distress signal from waters between Lae and Kimbe West this morning and it has been confirmed that the ferry is sinking.
“We are sending our PNG our thoughts and prayers at this terrible time,” said the Premier. “We have very strong ties of friendship and we stand ready to help in any way we can.
“I am advised that, at this stage, one intensive care paramedic from Queensland Ambulance Service has been sent with the Customs helicopter which is going to help with the search for survivors.”
The Premier said the scale of the disaster was still unfolding and her Government would respond promptly to any requests from the Federal Government or the PNG government for further assistance.
“The event is still developing and we may be called on to provide further support,” she said. “We stand ready to do anything we can to help.”
