Dozens missing after ferry sinks in eastern Indonesia
A passenger boat believed to be carrying between 60 and 100 people sank in eastern Indonesia after it was swamped by heavy waves.
A rescue craft has arrived at the scene of the accident – which happened late yesterday close to Rote Island – and had picked up 19 survivors, said police spokesman Martin Raja.
Raja said the survivors had told authorities that about 60 people were on the boat when it sank, but regional port official Pieter Fina said other survivors reported it was carrying 100 people.
It was not immediately possible to clear up the discrepancy. Like many boats in remote corners of Indonesia, it did not keep a passenger manifest, Raja told el-Shinta radio station.
“We have ordered all available boats to search for survivors,” Fina said. “They have the potential to save lives.”
Accidents at sea are common in Indonesia, a vast archipelago where boat travel is the only way to reach many islands. Safety measures are poorly enforced, and many crafts lack enough life jackets and other safety equipment.
In March this year, another ferry sunk close to Rote, which is about 1,250 miles east of Jakarta; 40 people drowned, but more than 100 people were rescued by passing ships.
