Search under way for ferry missing

Search under way for ferry missing

INDONESIA: A search and rescue (SAR) team, assisted by local
fishermen, are looking for victims of a ferry accident in the
waters off Kabaruan island in Talaud regency, some 300 kilometers
north of Manado, the capital of North Sulawesi.

The accident occurred on Thursday night, when wooden
interisland ferry Beringin Jaya sank in bad weather. The accident
claimed at least 22 lives and severely injured nine. Six others
are still missing.

Victor Matondang, a senior Talaud regency government official,
said another body had been found on Saturday, bringing the death
toll to 22.

The ferry, packed with 180 wedding guests, sank on its way
from Meronge subdistrict on Lirung island to Damau subdistrict on
Kabaruan island. The ferry was licensed to carry a maximum of 75
passengers.

Victor said the Talaud administration would give Rp 1 million
in aid to the families of those who perished in the accident. The
regental government will also pay the medical expenses of those
injured in the accident. -- Antara