87 now feared dead in Tonga ferry disaster: police

At least 87 people are now feared dead in this week's Tonga ferry disaster, police said after they revised the passenger list following interviews with survivors.

At least 87 people are now feared dead in this week's Tonga ferry disaster, police said on Saturday after they revised the passenger list following interviews with survivors.

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"This marine disaster is a tragedy of huge proportions for this country," police commander Chris Kelley said, adding the toll could go higher.

The only survivors were the 53 passengers and crew located a few hours after the Princess Ashika went down just before midnight on Wednesday. The original manifest showed 79 people on board.

"The news is not good. We now have the names of 141 people who were on the Ashika, as a result of statements taken from survivors... And that number may be more," Kelley said

"The list of those on board has grown from 79 to 141 in the last 24 hours.