Indonesian ferry sinks; 25 dead, some 240 rescued

Indonesia Ferry Sinks

JAKARTA, Indonesia – Rescuers saved more than 240 people aboard an Indonesian passenger ferry that sank Sunday in rough waters off Sumatra island, but at least 25 people have died, officials said. Search operations were called off after nightfall for the unknown number of passengers still missing.

A second ferry was still stranded in nearby waters after running aground, but all its passengers were said to be safe.

Rescue teams found 25 bodies, including those of two children, according to the latest reports, said Daniel, an official from the local search and rescue agency who like many Indonesians uses only one name. A total of 243 survivors from the Dumai Express 10 were rescued, he said.

It was unclear how many people were aboard the ferry. Police and navy officials said the ferry manifest listed 228 people, including 15 children, and 14 crew members, but the number of people accounted for has already surpassed those numbers.

The ship had a capacity of 273, but it is not uncommon for ferries to be overloaded.

Authorities called off search and rescue operations in the rough sea after nightfall, said Yasin Kosasih, a local police chief coordinating the rescue mission.

read full article: Indonesian ferry sinks; 25 dead, some 240 rescued
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