A ferry with 50 passengers has been missing without a trace for a week, reports the New Zealand Herald.

The boat was supposed to travel between two atolls in the island nation of Kiribati but never reached its destination.

The New Zealand Defence Force is now assisting with search efforts. The ferry with 50 people on board was travelling between two atolls in the Gilbert Islands, which belong to the island nation of Kiribati, just over a week ago.

The boat left Nonouti Atoll on January 18 and was due to arrive in the capital Betio Tarawa on January 20.

When the catamaran did not appear, local authorities launched a search operation.
New Zealand Defence Force Delta
Now the New Zealand Defense Force is also participating in the search.
"We are doing everything we can to locate this ferry and its passengers. We understand that the vessel underwent repairs to its propeller before it departed. This may have led to problems navigating the journey," says John Ashby of the New Zealand Rescue Service.
One of the defence aircraft left Auckland at six in the morning local time to assist in the search effort.
– We are always ready to contribute our help at home and in the region, says Darryn Webb from the New Zealand Air Force.
You don't know how much food and fuel is on the boat.

Source: aftonbladet.se