Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

58 people missing after boat capsizes in eastern Indonesia

 

Ap
Tuesday 19 June 2012 05:10 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

At least 58 people are still missing after a boat capsized in eastern Indonesia at the weekend - a far higher potential death toll than authorities initially thought.

Earlier, officials said only 14 people were missing after Sunday's sinking.

Dony Haryanto, of the local search and rescue agency, said the updated number was based on reports from relatives of the passengers and crew.

The Putri Ayu boat was travelling from Maluku's provincial capital, Ambon, to the nearby island of Buru when it capsized after being battered by a 10ft (3m) wave.

Twelve people were rescued on Sunday, but Mr Haryanto said rescuers have found nothing since then, despite good weather and extra ships and fishing boats joining the search today.

The overloaded wooden boat was carrying at least 70 people, but was licensed to carry just 40 and listed only 27 on its manifest. Manifests are generally unreliable in Indonesia because tickets are sold on board to passengers who are never registered.

Dozens of families and relatives were waiting for news of their loved ones in Ambon's Slamet Riadi port, Mr Haryanto said.

Ships are a main source of transportation in Indonesia, the world's largest archipelago nation with more than 17,000 islands. Accidents are common because the boats are often overloaded and poorly maintained.

AP

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in