Ferries routinely carry passengers between various parts of the island nation of Indonesia. Sinking, too, is routine, commonly causes by boats allowed to leave port over capacity. On Sunday alone, two of the ferries traveling between the islands of Riau and Batam sank. For one of the ships, tragedy was solely material, as all passengers were successfully rescued.
Indonesian ferries, like the one pictured above, routinely sink due to overcrowding. (Photo: javno.com)
The second wasn't so lucky.
According to the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation, the doomed ferry, from which at least 29 passengers are confirmed dead, was traveling in bad weather and with more than 260 passengers on board. The ferry's official manifest listed only 213 passengers, as well as 12 crew members.
At this time, an unspecified number of passengers are still missing. Stay tuned to the Austin International Travel Examiner for updates if and when they become available.
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