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12:59, 20-Jun-2018
At least 192 missing as overloaded ferry sinks in Indonesia's Sumatra
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At least four confirmed dead, 192 missing after a ferry sank in Lake Toba on Sumatra island this week, local media reported.
A total of 18 survivors were found from Lake Toba, said Budiawan, head of the National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS) in Medan, adding that more people had come forward to say that others were missing.
Rescue team members using rubber boats to find missing passengers from a ferry accident at the Lake Toba, in Simalungun, North Sumatra, Indonesia June 20, 2018. /VCG Photo
Rescue team members using rubber boats to find missing passengers from a ferry accident at the Lake Toba, in Simalungun, North Sumatra, Indonesia June 20, 2018. /VCG Photo
It is possible many of the victims were still inside the sunken ferry, said North Sumatra province police chief Paulus Waterpau.
It is reported that the ferry only had a maximum capacity of 60, and it was reportedly about five times over its capacity when the accident happened, with only 45 life jackets on board.
Family members mourn for their missing relatives who were passengers of a ferry that capsized on June 18. /VCG Photo
Family members mourn for their missing relatives who were passengers of a ferry that capsized on June 18. /VCG Photo
The ferry was believed to be operating illegally. It was not clear if any foreigners were on board or what caused it to capsize.
Many of the passengers were young families returning home to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the Muslim holiday marking the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
4497km