Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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January 11, 2009

Indonesia Ferry With 260 on Board Sinks During Storm
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=218143C:A6F02AD83191E160AB07D276D56E2FB63CF5CDEF8FC051DA&
 
Survivors say the vessel sank in the pre-dawn hours after being hit by
large waves during a storm 
Indonesian officials say a ferry carrying at least 260 passengers and
crew sank in rough seas Sunday off the coast of Sulawesi island.
Authorities say Indonesian fishermen have rescued at least 18 people,
but the fate of others who were on the ferry is unclear. Survivors say
the vessel sank in the pre-dawn hours after being hit by large waves
during a storm. Indonesian Transport Minister Jusman Syafi'i Djamal says
150 people got off the ferry before it sank, but he gave no further
details. Officials say rough seas hampered rescue efforts. The ferry was
traveling from Sulawesi to the province of East Kalimantan on the
Indonesian part of Borneo island. It sank about 50 kilometers off
western Sulawesi. Relatives of those on board gathered at the ferry's
intended destination of Samarinda in East Kalimantan to await news of
survivors. Ferries are a key form of travel in Indonesia, the world's
largest archipelago. Accidents are common because of poor enforcement of
safety regulations and overcrowding. Some information for this report
was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.


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