MV Awka Adrift in Solomon Islands After Engine Failure

The ferry MV Awka has been drifting in the remote eastern Solomon Islands since Friday. Its engine is dead. More than 70 passengers are on board, and they were well into a third day at sea as of Sunday.

The ferry was traveling from Anuta toward Vanikoro in Temotu Province when the engine failed on October 9. The ferry's water supply was used to cool the overheated engine, leaving it inoperable. According to Australia's ABC News, the ferry was roughly 100 nautical miles short of its destination when it broke down. The Solomon Islands Maritime Authority put the total on board at 74, including 16 crew.

France and Australia both responded. A French aircraft from New Caledonia arrived Saturday and dropped life rafts and desalination equipment. Australia's search-and-rescue jet from Cairns made several drops of food, water, medical supplies and communications gear. New Zealand also offered assistance, according to Temotu Premier Stanley Tehiahua.

The first vessel to reach the scene was the Sunnine 3. That Panama-registered bulk carrier arrived Sunday morning and began transferring water and provisions to those on board. A patrol boat from Honiara was still on its way. No casualties have been reported.

The stranding follows other recent Pacific ferry trouble. Indonesian police arrested the captain of the Virgo Transport 8 days earlier, charging him over a Java Sea sinking that killed dozens.