Rescuers search for victims of the boat sinking accident on June 18 (Photo: AFP/VNA) Jakarta (VNA)– Indonesian Ministry of Transportation has decided to halt the operation of alltourism boats in Lake Toba in seven days to serve the search for victims going missingin a boat sinking accident on June 18.
Minister ofTransportation Budi Karya Sumadi said that the decision was agreed by 40 boatoperators in five ports of Ambarita, Ajibata, Simanindo, Muara and Tigaras.
During the suspension,all boats will undergo safety checks. Only those meeting safety standards ofIndonesia can resume operation after the restriction time to avoid similaraccidents.
The ministry and thePT ASDP company have prepared two big ferries to serve passengers in travelingthe lake. Both ferries have been tested to ensure their safety.
The IndonesianGovernment has mobilised a large force for searching activities. However, NationalSearch and Rescue Agency head Mihammad Syaugi said that the work is tough dueto bad weather while the lake is very deep at 300-500m.
The KM Sinar Bangunboat sank at about 5:30 p.m. as it sailed from Samosir, a volcanic island inthe middle of Lake Toba to Parapat town. The survivors were rescued by nearbyboats.
The accident left fourdead and 192 missing. The boat is designed to carry only 43 passengers.
It was notimmediately clear whether any foreigners were among the passengers. Most of thepassengers are holidaymakers enjoying the country's 12-day-long Eid al-Fitrholiday.
The3,000-square-kilometre Lake Toba, which is the largest volcanic lake in theworld, is a popular spot for local and international tourists.
Ferry tragedies arecommon in Indonesia, an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands.-VNA
VNA
