London, Feb. 3 (Notimex). - At least 116 people have been reported missing following the sinking of a ferry off the coast of Papua New Guinea, while 246 of the occupants of the vessel were rescued alive, authorities said Monday.

Hospital staff in Papua New Guinea say they are amazed that only three of the 246 survivors of the ferry have serious injuries.

Rescued passengers were taken to the coastal town of Lae and have undergone medical examinations in the Angau hospital with injuries ranging from small lacerations to the chest and psychological trauma to dehydration.

At least 116 people are still feared trapped inside the ferry, which sank amid bad weather in the Northeastern coast of the island in the South Pacific, reported Australian TV network ABC NEWS.

Merchant ships, along with rescue teams from the Australian island, supported by reconnaissance aircraft, are still looking for survivors, which was carrying mostly young students, as well as 12 crew members.

The ferry MV Queen Rabaul covered the route between the city of Lae in Papua New Guinea and the island of Kimbe in West New Britain.

"We can say with certainty that the joint operation of Australia and Papua New Guinea resulted in 246 people being rescued", said Ian Kemish, High Commissioner of Australia in Papua New Guinea, on Friday.

According to the diplomat, the most likely cause of the disaster was the adverse weather conditions. The ship was built 22 years ago in a Japanese shipyard.

No foreigners were among the occupants of the ship, according to the Australian Foreign Ministry.

NTX / JCM / MRG /