1Hopes are fading for any more survivors from the British car ferry Herald of Free Enterprise, which has capsized just off the Belgian port of Zeebrugge, with more than 600 people on board. Latest reports say 48 people have died and a further 270 are missing. Although today's tragedy is one of the worst accidents on the English Channel, it is not the first time lives has been lost during the Channel crossing.

2Positive progress has been made in United States - Soviet arms reduction talks today.

3An Australian newspaper is reporting that LIbya intends to boost its diplomatic and commercial presence in the South Pacific.

4Authorities coping with the major clean-up in the earthquake-hit towns of the Bay of Plenty are struggling to cope with sightseers.

5Police in five districts have condemned the performance of Police MInister Ann Hercus. She has been asked to attend a special Police Association meeting this week, where it may be necessary to hold a national vote of no confidence in her.

6Rudolf Hess, the last imprisoned officer of Nazi Germany, has been admitted to a British military hospital with pneumonia.

7Actress Linda Lovelace is in critical condition following a liver transplant.