Bodies of the victim are brought on shore (Photo: AFP) Jakarta (VNA) – The deathtoll from a boat sinking off East Java’s north coast in Indonesia on June 17 hasrisen to 18, local authorities said.
Indonesia'ssearch and rescue agency reported on June 18 that many among the victims are children.
There are39 survivors, while search efforts are underway for at least four others, whoremain unaccounted for, it said.
The accident took place on June 17, when the passenger boat with morethan 60 people onboard overturned in rough seas near Madura island.
East Java Police’s spokesmanFrans Barung Mangera said the boat was hit by a large wave, overturned andsank, and was suspected of being overloaded.
The 10-metre long vessel was foundby fishermen shortly after it was swamped, he added.
Marine accidents are common inIndonesia, where many use ferries and other boats to travel despite poor safetystandards.
Earlier this year, over 300 people wereestimated to have drowned when a ferry sank between the islands of Sulawesi andBorneo.-VNA
VNA
