Asia

Unsafe at Sea: Asia’s History of Deadly Ferry Disasters

The sinking of the Costa Concordia raises critical questions about maritime safety. The issue is particularly important in parts of South and East Asia, where millions of people rely on often poorly maintained ferries to get around. They brave bad weather and overcrowding, usually because there is no other option. Here are six examples of Asian sea-voyages gone wrong through the decades.

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MV Rabaul Queen — Papua New Guinea, 2012

By Feb. 02, 2012
Post Courier / AP

The coastal ferry sank in the early hours of Feb. 2 with up to 350 people aboard off the Pacific nation’s east coast, according to the Associated Press. Although Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard immediately warned of a likely high loss of life, calm sea conditions were aiding the rescue effort. Eight boats and three helicopters diverted to the scene had plucked 219 people from waters by lunchtime, Reuters reported. But that left more than 100 people still missing. Operator Star Ships told the AFP it lost contact with the vessel around daybreak amid “bad weather” as it sailed from Kimbe to Lae.

Next MV Coco-4 — Bangladesh, 2009

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