The MV Rabaul Queen was a prominent passenger and roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferry that played a crucial role in inter-island transportation within Papua New Guinea. This vessel was under the ownership and operation of Rabaul Shipping, a Papua New Guinean company that served various coastal communities, providing vital links for both people and goods across the archipelago's diverse geography.

Originally constructed in Japan in 1983, the vessel, then known as the Ferry Kurohime, had a history of operating short-distance routes in its country of origin. In 1998, it was acquired by Rabaul Shipping and subsequently brought to Papua New Guinea. For over a decade, the MV Rabaul Queen became an integral part of the nation's maritime transport network, regularly plying a weekly route that connected Kimbe, the vibrant provincial capital of West New Britain, with Lae, the bustling capital of the mainland province of Morobe. This particular route was of significant economic and social importance, facilitating trade, travel, and access to essential services for thousands of Papua New Guineans residing in coastal and island areas.

Tragically, in the early hours of Thursday, 2 February 2012, while en route from Kimbe to Lae, the MV Rabaul Queen encountered severe maritime conditions. The ferry capsized and subsequently sank in the treacherous waters of the Vitiaz Strait, specifically near the Huon Gulf, approximately 16 nautical miles (30 km) east of Finschhafen. Reports indicated particularly rough seas and high winds at the time of the incident, with some sources mentioning the proximity of Tropical Cyclone Atu, which contributed to the adverse weather conditions and strong currents in the region.

The MV Rabaul Queen disaster resulted in one of Papua New Guinea's most significant maritime tragedies, primarily due to the profound uncertainty surrounding the precise number of passengers on board. This lack of an accurate passenger manifest made it exceedingly difficult to ascertain the final death toll. Initial estimates of the deceased varied widely, ranging from 88 to as many as 223 individuals. Following an extensive official Commission of Inquiry (COI) into the incident, which meticulously investigated the circumstances, the estimated number of fatalities was narrowed down to between 146 and 165 people, highlighting the devastating scale of the loss of life. Approximately 246 survivors were rescued from the disaster, a testament to the swift, albeit challenging, rescue operations undertaken by local vessels and international assistance.

The Commission of Inquiry, tasked with uncovering the causes and contributing factors, highlighted numerous deficiencies, including concerns over overloading, inadequate safety equipment, poor maintenance practices, and a lack of effective regulatory oversight within Papua New Guinea's maritime sector. This tragic event spurred calls for significant reforms in maritime safety regulations and enforcement across the country, aiming to prevent similar catastrophes in the future and ensure the safety of passengers on vital sea routes.

Frequently Asked Questions About the MV Rabaul Queen Disaster

When and where did the MV Rabaul Queen sink?

The MV Rabaul Queen sank in the early hours of February 2, 2012, in the Vitiaz Strait, near the Huon Gulf, approximately 16 nautical miles east of Finschhafen, Papua New Guinea.

Who owned the MV Rabaul Queen?

The MV Rabaul Queen was owned and operated by Rabaul Shipping, a Papua New Guinean company.

Why is the exact death toll unknown?

The precise number of fatalities remains unknown because an accurate passenger manifest was not available, leading to uncertainty regarding the total number of people on board the ferry at the time of the sinking. Estimates provided by the official Commission of Inquiry range from 146 to 165 deaths.

What was the MV Rabaul Queen's route?

The ferry regularly plied a weekly route between Kimbe, the capital of West New Britain Province, and Lae, the capital of Morobe Province on the Papua New Guinea mainland.

What were the main findings of the Commission of Inquiry?

The Commission of Inquiry pointed to factors such as overloading, insufficient safety equipment, poor vessel maintenance, and failures in regulatory oversight by the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) as significant contributors to the disaster.