One more passenger of the Tongan Ferry MV Ashika which sank last night was rescued in the last hour.
The New Zealand Rescue Coordination Centre said 53 people have been rescued.
Tonga newspaper Matangi Tonga revealed that the owners of the Princess Ashika, Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Limited, have released the names of the passengers saying that there were a total of 96 people on board last night.
Captain Zac Prendergast from the Defense Force Operations said rescue operations still continue this hour.
Meanwhile, spokeswoman for the Tonga's Women's Action Group Offa Guttenbelilikiliki said families boarded the boat as they believed it was a safe means of transportation, and the sinking has sent shockwaves through the island nation.
Another passenger rescued
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