Nearly 200 Feared Dead Off Indonesia
JAKARTA, Indonesia — Nearly 200 people were feared dead days after a ferry capsized in rough seas off eastern Indonesia, a rescue official said today.
The 150-ton Digul sank Thursday night off the coast of Papua province while heading from the port town of Merauke to Tanah Merah, about 125 miles to the north, said Sumpeno Juono of the local search and rescue agency.
The ferry was officially reported to be carrying 50 crew and passengers. But survivors said about 200 people were on board, Sumpeno said. Only 15 -- two crewmen and 13 passengers -- have been found.
Sumpeno said the overloaded ferry did not have any safety equipment and sank quickly.
“We believe the number of missing passengers could reach almost 200,” said Sumpeno, who had little hope of finding more survivors. Other officials could not immediately be reached.
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