On February 2, 2012, the ship capsized and sank due to harsh conditions in the Solomon Sea between Kimbe and Lae. The ship was covered by three high waves. After 4 hours, the ship sank 9 miles from Finschhafen. There were 350 passengers and 12 crew members on board. A joint rescue effort between Papua New Guinea and Australia was formed shortly after the sinking. Many survivors were rescued by six merchant ships alerted by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA). 246 survivors were rescued by the evening of the same day. More than 100 remained missing in action. The ferry operated weekly routes between Buka, Rabaul, Kimbe and Lae.