Rescuers find nothing after search for missing Kiribati ferry carrying 50 people

A ferry with an estimated 50 people on board has been missing for more than a week off the coast of the Pacific nation of Kiribati, rescue authorities say. “The group seem very relieved to have been found when the NZ Airforce Orion dropped supplies, including water and a radio, to them about 10am today,” said John Ashby, senior search and rescue officer of the Rescue Coordination Centre of New Zealand. Authorities said the ferry departed Nonouti Island bound for the Kiribati capital of South Tarawa on January 18. It was headed for Betio Tarawa, the largest township in the capital - a 260km journey expected to take two days. RCCNZ Senior Search and Rescue Officer John Ashby says the New Zealand Maritime Operations Centre and Kiribati Tarawa Radio were broadcasting for sightings on maritime radio. "We understand the vessel underwent repairs to its propeller shaft just before it departed," New Zealand Rescue Co-Ordination Centre officer John Ashby said. Kiribati a nation of 33 atolls and reefs with a total population of about 110,000, lies some 3,460 kilometres (2,150 miles) north east of Fiji.
Rescuers, including the Royal New Zealand Air Force, search for the Kiribati ferry MV Butiraoi with around 50 people on board after it is declared missing.