All 73 passengers, crew rescued from stranded Solomon Islands ferry

All 73 passengers and crew aboard a Solomon Islands inter-island ferry stranded at sea since Friday have been safely rescued, provincial authorities announced Monday.

The Temotu Provincial Government said that everyone aboard MV Awka was transferred to rescue vessel MV Helper 1 and brought ashore at Vanikoro following a coordinated international operation.

The ferry suffered mechanical problems while travelling between Tikopia and Vanikoro, leaving it drifting in rough seas.

MV Helper 1 reached the stranded ferry Sunday night, followed by Royal Solomon Islands Police Force Patrol Boat Gizo.

The patrol boat began towing the ferry around midnight, while the transfer of passengers and crew was subsequently completed.

The provincial government thanked France, Australia, China and Vanuatu for assisting the operation.

Australia deployed an aircraft, while Chinese cargo vessel Sunnine 3 diverted from its route to deliver food, water and other supplies.

Earlier, local newspaper Solomon Star reported that the ferry had suffered an engine shutdown Friday, leaving only its electricity generator operational.