Search fails to find survivors

PEKANBARU, Riau: The second day of a search and rescue operation for survivors of the Dumai Express VI ferry, which sank on Thursday in the Strait of Malacca, came up empty-handed on Friday.

About 200 passengers are missing.

Antara reported the ferry was believed to be carrying 225 people.

During the initial rescue operation on Thursday, three people were found dead and another 25 were rescued and treated at a nearby hospital.

The ferry sank on Thursday morning after catching fire. Witnesses said the fire was preceded by a loud blast.

According to several survivors, many passengers were trapped inside the ferry when it sank. Only a few reportedly managed to jump through an open window from the ferry's hull.

A survivor, Azhardi, said he saw a man throw his baby through the window to a rescue boat.

"Luckily the officer managed to catch the baby," he said.

Another survivor, Akmal, also said that he saved himself by jumping out the window, but many others remained inside when the ship sank. (04)