File photo of Princess Ashika, the ferry that sank 86 Kilometers northeast of Tongan capital Nuku'alofa...
File photo of Princess Ashika, the ferry that sank 86 Kilometers (53.4 miles) northeast of Tongan capital Nuku'alofa, taken on July 1, 2009. A search and rescue operation has been launched after a ferry sank off the coast of the Pacific Island nation of Tonga, with 27 people reported missing, New Zealand rescue authorities said on Thursday. Photo taken July 1, 2009. REUTERS/Matangi Tonga Online (TONGA DISASTER TRANSPORT)