Ferry Sinks in Indonesia, At Least 12 Dead

By The Maritime Executive 07-30-2014 11:12:00

Rescue teams were searching for six missing people in Indonesia’s 1,143-kilometer Kapuas River on Wednesday after a ferry sank, killing at least 12 people.

Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) said that of the 70 people believed to have been aboard the likely overcrowded vessel, 52 had survived.

Additional rescuers and search sh?ps had been dispatched to help with the search and handling of victims.

Ferry passengers were headed to visit relatives for the Muslim holiday of Eid when it sank in Indonesia’s longest river.

Most of the survivors have returned to their homes, while others are still receiving treatment in nearby hospitals.

Three crew members, including the ferry's owner, have been detained for questioning.