Jakarta (AsiaNews) – The ferry could carry only 43 people, said Indonesian Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi as he explained that overcrowding was one of the main factors in the tragic ship sinking on Lake Toba two days ago.
Only 18 people have survived, three bodies have been recovered so far, and the search for 192 people still missing in continues.
Lake Toba is the world’s deepest volcanic lake (900m), covering 1,145 a surface of square kilometres. It is a popular tourist destination in northern Sumatera (Sumatra) Island.
Most passengers were tourists who travelled to the lake to celebrate Idul Fitri, which ended the holy month of Ramadan.
The traditional wooden boat sailed in the afternoon from the port of Samosir, an island in the middle of the lake, towards Simalungun Regency.
According to eyewitness accounts, the vessel became unstable as a result of strong winds and two-metre waves, eventually overturning halfway into the 40-minute trip.
The authorities are now interviewing survivors and relatives of the missing to determine the exact number of passengers. The ferry also carried some 100 motorcycles, a survivor said.
“[I]t's unclear how many were on board," said Mr Muhammad Syaugi, the head of the search and rescue agency. About 400 personnel have been deployed in the search.
Superintendent Yusri Yunus from the Jakarta-based Public Communication Division of the National Police HQ noted that the ship, the KM Sinar Bangun, was operating without a manifest or passenger tickets.
The ship’s captain, Tua Sagala, is under arrest. Investigators are also checking if the boat had the necessary security equipment.
