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Indonesian Ferry Sinks, Kills 25

Rescuers pull at least 243 from rough waters

By the Associated Press

Posted Nov 22, 2009 5:34 AM CST | Updated Nov 22, 2009 7:48 AM CST
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(AP) – Rescuers have saved 243 people from the Indonesian passenger ferry that sank today in rough waters off Sumatra island, but at least 25 people, including two children, have died, an official said. An unknown number of passengers were still missing, and search operations were called off after nightfall. A second ferry was still stranded in nearby waters after running aground, but all its passengers were said to be safe.

High waves were complicating the rescue operation of the Dumai Express 10, which left on an inter-island voyage this morning and reportedly sank in poor weather 90 minutes into the trip from Batam to Dumai in Riau, a province off Sumatra island in western Indonesia. The ship sank about 30 minutes after huge waves hit its bow and water started seeping in, according to the ship's captain. Indonesian ferry accidents have killed hundreds in recent years. Boats are often overcrowded and safety regulations are poorly enforced.

In this 2005 file photo, a Singaporean Navy vessel patrols the crowded straits between Singapore and Indonesia off the coast of Indonesia. A passenger ferry sank in rough waters this morning.
In this 2005 file photo, a Singaporean Navy vessel patrols the crowded straits between Singapore and Indonesia off the coast of Indonesia. A passenger ferry sank in rough waters this morning.   (Ed Wray)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
cochiserocks
Nov 23, 2009 1:43 AM CST
I was there from 1991 to 1994 @cedarkey - I agree with you completely. I remember when Tommy Suharto decided he wanted th clove crop as his own - Basically took over a massive area using the army. The farmers were told to work for him or leave. Those who didn't 'disappeared'. The military there own everything through their families. If you want anything done, you pay. This ferry going down would only mean something if tourists had been on board.
Rocket448
Nov 22, 2009 6:47 AM CST
Americans in general are very parochial, seldom traveling abroad and rarely learning a foreign language other than Spanish. I have traveled in Europe and Canada, but I would never trade my home in the U.S. for any other country. While everything isn't a bed of roses in the US, Americans do have a say in their government and we do feel a sense that we own our country.
JoeQ
Nov 22, 2009 3:57 AM CST
Thanks for your perspective, cedarkey. I believe you. I've never been to Indonesia but I wonder what its like with such a large muslim populace. We Americans do need to travel around the world to truly understand how good and how bad things can get for people, and to understand how basically good most people are.

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Indonesia • shipwreck • Sumatra • ferry

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