FED: Aust, NZ pledge support after Tongan ferry disaster

AAP General News (Australia)
08-07-2009
FED: Aust, NZ pledge support after Tongan ferry disaster

CANBERRA, Aug 7 AAP - Australia and New Zealand will send medical and military support
to Tonga in the wake of the ferry disaster which may have claimed more than 60 lives.

Authorities have rescued 53 survivors but grave fears remain for the remaining 62 passengers
aboard the Princess Ashika, which sank on Wednesday with 117 people on board.

Two bodies have so far been recovered.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said Australia would provide whatever assistance it could
to assist in "this appalling tragedy".

"Both the New Zealand Prime Minister (John Key) and myself have been in the closest
possible consultation with Prime Minister Sevele of Tonga," he told reporters in Cairns.

Australia will send divers, medical support and offer the use of a C-130 Hercules aircraft,
while New Zealand will also provide assistance relating to victim identification.

Mr Key said New Zealand accident investigators would help compile an official report
into the incident.

AAP cj/so/jfm/mn

KEYWORD: TONGA FERRY RUDD

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