At least eleven people have tragically misplaced their lives, and one other is at present lacking after a ferry accident occurred off the eastern coast of Sumatra Island in Indonesia. The nationwide search and rescue agency has disclosed this info as they proceed their search operation.
The ferry concerned within the accident was transporting approximately 74 passengers to the small island of Tanjung Pinang situated in proximity to Singapore. The incident is believed to have occurred about 30 minutes after the vessel had left the harbour, with a suspected collision with a floating log being the cause for the unfortunate event.
As Steal and rescue operation for the lacking particular person is ongoing, the company has also been receiving reports from eyewitnesses who were current at the scene of the accident. The exact circumstances resulting in the incident are still being investigated, and there could additionally be further updates that present a clearer understanding of how the tragedy unfolded, reports Bangkok Post.
Ferry accidents aren’t uncommon in Indonesia, which consists of over 17,000 islands that rely closely on water-based transportation for commuting and buying and selling purposes. In an unlimited nation with such a big archipelago, ferries provide a critical service in connecting communities throughout numerous islands.
However, the country has seen numerous maritime accidents throughout the years, with overcrowded vessels and poor maintenance of boats being cited as a few of the leading causes. Additionally, Indonesia’s huge number of islands makes offering and regulating strict safety requirements a troublesome task for authorities.
One of the worst ferry disasters in recent history occurred in 2009 when close to 300 individuals perished after a ferry sank off the coast of the distant island of Sulawesi. There have been other such incidents stretching again decades, like the tragedy in 1996 when more than 200 lives have been misplaced because of a ferry sinking within the Java Sea.
Despite these continued incidents inside the nation, there have been gradual enhancements to maritime regulations, total surveillance, and vessel maintenance standards. Nevertheless, Indonesia faces a continuous problem in anticipating accidents, particularly given the rapidly growing economic calls for and transportation wants of the nation..