Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo was disturbed to learn of the missing MV Solfish 001 but was relieved after he was informed that all 49 crew and passengers had survived the ordeal.

Mr. Lilo who was attending the PALM6 Summit in Japan said he was informed of the missing boat and immediately ordered a search and rescue operation to locate the crew and passengers of the ship.

In Tokyo on Saturday night, Prime Minister Lilo had been in constant contact with the Acting Prime Minister Hon. Walter Folotalu, the Secretary to Cabinet and Commissioner of Police on rescue efforts on the missing boat.

"I have asked for full search to be launched to rescue any survivors and all resources at the disposal of the state has been dispatched when I heard of the incident," he said on Saturday night from Tokyo.

A relieved Prime Minister Lilo said: "It's a great relief and blessing that bring joy to all of us in learning of the successful rescue of all 49 persons who travelled in the boat."

Mr. Lilo urged family members to remain calm to allow relevant authorities to carry out assessment of the incident and health conditions of the survivors.

Prime Minister Lilo said upon his arrival he will order an enquiry into the cause of the unfortunate incident hinting that issues such as industry standards will be at the forefront of the enquiry.