SYDNEY, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- Rescue efforts are underway for 73 passengers stranded aboard the MV Awka in the Solomon Islands after the vessel's engine failed, with aircraft and vessels mobilized to deliver essential supplies.
The vessel issued a distress signal at around 7 a.m. local time on Friday while traveling from Anuta to Vanikoro in Temotu Province. The 73 passengers do not include the crew, the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) reported on Saturday.
MV Awka has been drifting at sea amid rough seas and swells, raising concerns about conditions on board, SIBC News reported.
France, Australia and New Zealand had received the distress signal and offered assistance, including food, drinking water and medical supplies, Temotu Province Premier Stanley Tehiahua told SIBC News. ■
