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/7822776.stm

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Indonesian ferry sinks in storm Indonesian ferry sinks in storm
(about 15 hours later)
A search operation is under way after a ferry carrying about 250 passengers and 17 crew sank in stormy seas in central Indonesia, officials say. A search operation is under way after a ferry carrying about 250 passengers and 17 crew sank in stormy seas off central Indonesia, officials say.
A transport agency spokesman said 18 people have been rescued alive, but fears are rising that scores of others will be found dead.A transport agency spokesman said 18 people have been rescued alive, but fears are rising that scores of others will be found dead.
Rescue efforts were hampered by high waves and nightfall. High seas are hampering intensified rescue efforts by navy and air force.
Recent years have seen several ferry accidents in Indonesia. More than 400 people died when a ferry sank in 2006.Recent years have seen several ferry accidents in Indonesia. More than 400 people died when a ferry sank in 2006.
The captain of the Teratai Prima, who was among those pulled alive from the sea, said that about 150 people managed to jump off before the vessel went down, AP reported. The captain of the Teratai Prima, who was among those pulled alive from the sea, said that about 150 people managed to jump off before the vessel went down, the Associated Press reported.
A few survivors are said to have been spotted by fishermen as they drifted on lifeboats, but it is not yet known how many are still missing, the BBC's Lucy Williamson reports from Jakarta.A few survivors are said to have been spotted by fishermen as they drifted on lifeboats, but it is not yet known how many are still missing, the BBC's Lucy Williamson reports from Jakarta.
She says familiar questions are now being raised, such as whether the ferry was seaworthy, if there were enough lifeboats on board and whether enough consideration had been given to the rough conditions
With relatives wait on shore as a trickle of survivors are brought in by fishermen, those questions are likely to get louder, our correspondent adds.
Deadly crossingDeadly crossing
The ferry was making an overnight journey from Pare Pare in South Sulawesi to Samarinda in East Kalimantan.The ferry was making an overnight journey from Pare Pare in South Sulawesi to Samarinda in East Kalimantan.
AdvertisementAdvertisement
Local tv footage of survivorsLocal tv footage of survivors
Indonesia's state-run Antara news agency said the vessel went down at 0400 local time (2100 GMT Saturday) in stormy seas.Indonesia's state-run Antara news agency said the vessel went down at 0400 local time (2100 GMT Saturday) in stormy seas.
The area has been buffeted by storms, heavy rains and high winds for several days, causing flash flooding in some areas.The area has been buffeted by storms, heavy rains and high winds for several days, causing flash flooding in some areas.
RECENT MARITIME DISASTERS 11 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 relies heavily on ferry services to connect the main islands in the archipelago, but accidents are common.RECENT MARITIME DISASTERS 11 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 relies heavily on ferry services to connect the main islands in the archipelago, but accidents are common.
In December 2006, a ferry carrying more than 600 people sank while on a journey from Borneo to Java. The majority of its passengers were never found.In December 2006, a ferry carrying more than 600 people sank while on a journey from Borneo to Java. The majority of its passengers were never found.
Months later, at least 42 people were killed when a fire broke out aboard a ferry from Jakarta to Bangka island off Sumatra.Months later, at least 42 people were killed when a fire broke out aboard a ferry from Jakarta to Bangka island off Sumatra.
There have also been several accidents involving Indonesia's domestic airlines, prompting the European Union to ban Indonesian carriers from its airspace.There have also been several accidents involving Indonesia's domestic airlines, prompting the European Union to ban Indonesian carriers from its airspace.