10 Feb 2012

Bougainville presidents says PNG ferry disaster caused anger

3:06 pm on 10 February 2012

The President of the autonomous Papua New Guinea province of Bougainville says there is so much public anger over the Rabaul Queen sinking that he's confident the government will act to improve the country's shipping services.

The vessel sank just over a week ago off Morobe with current official estimates of about 100 people losing their lives, but other reports suggest much higher figures.

The Prime Minister, Peter O'Neill, met survivors in Lae this week and promised a comprehensive inquiry into the disaster.

Dozens of the victims were from Bougainville and its President, John Momis, says the inquiry will not only focus on the shipping company but also look at apparent corruption within the relevant government agencies.

He says he believes Mr O'Neill will act on the findings.

"Much as it's humanly feasible, I am very confident that the O'Neill government will sort out the problem. There is so much public opposition or anger that I think the government has no choice but to act in accordance with the will of the people."