A ferry carrying 79 people went down near the pacific island nation of Tonga. It is believed to have sunk 53 miles northeast of the Tongan capital, Nuku’alofa. It put out a mayday call and it had set off its distress beacon, but 26 passengers still remain un-accounted for.

The ferry was used for inter-island travel in the Pacific area. It ran regular routes through the Region. Some are already speculating on causes. Passengers of this route have reported that weather can often go bad very quickly in this part of the Pacific.

There were 53 passengers and crew that were successfully rescued from the warm Pacific water. The water was 25 degrees Celsius, which made it easier for survivors to wait for rescue crews. It also gives hope that some of the missing could have survived and be lost at sea. The New Zealand Rescue co ordination Center are heading up efforts to recover survivors. They will work in partnership with the Royal New Zealand Air Force and private vessels.

The ferry was built in 1970 and it was awaiting being retired once a new ferry was found and purchased.