This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8372795.stm

The article has changed 14 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Indonesia ferry sinks in squall Indonesia ferry sinks in squall
(40 minutes later)
At least nine people are now reported to have died after a ferry sank off the coast of Sumatra in Indonesia.At least nine people are now reported to have died after a ferry sank off the coast of Sumatra in Indonesia.
But more than 200 others were rescued from the sea after the accident, which happened early on Sunday.But more than 200 others were rescued from the sea after the accident, which happened early on Sunday.
Officials blamed the incident on bad weather and high waves. They say some people are missing but it is not clear how many.Officials blamed the incident on bad weather and high waves. They say some people are missing but it is not clear how many.
Some reports suggested that the ferry, which had a capacity of 273 people, may have been overloaded when it sank.Some reports suggested that the ferry, which had a capacity of 273 people, may have been overloaded when it sank.
According to its manifest, about 240 people were on board the Dumai Express 10 ferry when it sailed, but it is not clear if this was accurate.According to its manifest, about 240 people were on board the Dumai Express 10 ferry when it sailed, but it is not clear if this was accurate.
Indonesia's sea transport director-general, Sunaryo, said rescue efforts were being hampered by bad weather.Indonesia's sea transport director-general, Sunaryo, said rescue efforts were being hampered by bad weather.
"The waves are as high as six metres, it's difficult for small ships to reach the location," he told a news conference in Jakarta."The waves are as high as six metres, it's difficult for small ships to reach the location," he told a news conference in Jakarta.
Search efforts have now ceased for the night but officials say they will resume in the morning.
'Traumatised''Traumatised'
The Dumai Express 10 was travelling from Batam island to Dumai in Riau, Sumatra, when it sank.The Dumai Express 10 was travelling from Batam island to Dumai in Riau, Sumatra, when it sank.
Officials said it rolled over before capsizing about 90 minutes into its voyage.Officials said it rolled over before capsizing about 90 minutes into its voyage.
RECENT MARITIME DISASTERS 11 Jan 2009: At least 232 people - possibly many more - die as ferry sinks off Sulawesi11 July 2007: Passenger ship with 70 on board sinks off eastern Indonesia 22 Feb 2007: At least 42 die as ferry catches fire30 Dec 2006: More than 400 lost as ferry sinks between Borneo and Java7 July 2005: About 200 die as ferry sinks off eastern Indonesia Indonesia's public transport perilsRECENT MARITIME DISASTERS 11 Jan 2009: At least 232 people - possibly many more - die as ferry sinks off Sulawesi11 July 2007: Passenger ship with 70 on board sinks off eastern Indonesia 22 Feb 2007: At least 42 die as ferry catches fire30 Dec 2006: More than 400 lost as ferry sinks between Borneo and Java7 July 2005: About 200 die as ferry sinks off eastern Indonesia Indonesia's public transport perils
Rescue efforts were aided by the fact that the ferry went down in the busy Malacca Straits between Indonesia and Malaysia.Rescue efforts were aided by the fact that the ferry went down in the busy Malacca Straits between Indonesia and Malaysia.
It is not clear exactly how many people have been picked up. One official put the number as high as 292, but another said 232 people had been found.It is not clear exactly how many people have been picked up. One official put the number as high as 292, but another said 232 people had been found.
The total number of people on board the vessel remains unknown.The total number of people on board the vessel remains unknown.
Officials said rescue efforts would continue until dark and then resume in the morning.
A navy spokesman said it was not clear whether anyone was still inside the ferry, which was now completely submerged.A navy spokesman said it was not clear whether anyone was still inside the ferry, which was now completely submerged.
"We're not sure if anyone is trapped in the ferry. Those who have been rescued are traumatised," Iskandar Sitompul said."We're not sure if anyone is trapped in the ferry. Those who have been rescued are traumatised," Iskandar Sitompul said.
Another ferry, the Dumai Express 15, was reported to have run aground in bad weather as it travelled between Batam and Moro islands.Another ferry, the Dumai Express 15, was reported to have run aground in bad weather as it travelled between Batam and Moro islands.
All 278 passengers and crew on board were said to be safe.All 278 passengers and crew on board were said to be safe.
Ferry accidents linked to over-crowding and poor vessel maintenance kill hundreds of passengers in Indonesia each year.Ferry accidents linked to over-crowding and poor vessel maintenance kill hundreds of passengers in Indonesia each year.
The country's large population is spread out over 17,000 islands and relies on ships and ferries to travel around.The country's large population is spread out over 17,000 islands and relies on ships and ferries to travel around.
In the last three years, at least 800 people have been killed in ferry accidents in Indonesia.In the last three years, at least 800 people have been killed in ferry accidents in Indonesia.


Are you in Sumatra? Do you know anybody who was on board of the ferry? Tell us what is happening using the form below.Are you in Sumatra? Do you know anybody who was on board of the ferry? Tell us what is happening using the form below.
A selection of your comments may be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.A selection of your comments may be published, displaying your name and location unless you state otherwise in the box below.
Send your pictures or videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to +44 7725 100 100 or you have a large file you can upload here.Send your pictures or videos to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, text them to +44 7725 100 100 or you have a large file you can upload here.
Read the terms and conditions Read the terms and conditions
At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.At no time should you endanger yourself or others, take any unnecessary risks or infringe any laws.
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & ConditionsThe BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions