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