Australia's leader says there has been 'considerable' loss of life in a ferry sinking off Tonga.
More than 50 people are now listed as missing after the passenger ferry traveling between the Tongan capital of Nuku'alofa and outlying islands overturned overnight in rough seas. Officials say many of the missing are women and children.
Police in Tonga say they have pulled one man's body from the sea but have not confirmed other deaths.
Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd at a meeting of South Pacific leaders in Australia today called the ferry sinking a tragedy and said "there has been considerable loss of life."
AP