33 missing after ferry sinks off Tonga

He said the ferry was carrying 45 passengers and 30 crew members when it went down about 86 kilometres northeast of the Tongan capital,Nuku8217;alofa.

Blackmore told New Zealand8217;s National Radio that most of the 42 people rescued had been on seven life rafts.

8220;But we understand there were only eight life rafts 8230; so we are looking for people in the water,8221; he said.

Three vessels were in the area searching for survivors,and a fourth rescue vessel was on its way there,Blackmore added.

The Princess Ashika ferry was heading from Nuku8217;alofa to Ha8217;afeva,in the nearby Nomuka Islands,when it issues a mayday call about 11 pm Within minutes,the rescue centre received a distress beacon alert from the vessel,Blackmore said.

There were strong winds at the time,but the water8217;s temperatures were about 77 degrees 25 Celsius

8220;There8217;s a lot better chance of surviving in that sort of temperature,8221; Blackmore said.