Boat carrying Indonesian workers capsizes in stormy weather; 20 died
A Search Effort Underway For Hours Has Rescued 39 People So Far.
A boat carrying Indonesian workers home from Malaysia has capsized in stormy weather, and Indonesian police has said at least 20 people have died.
About 90 people were on the vessel that capsized off the island of Batam about 5 am, the island's police chief Sambudi Gusdian said.
A search effort underway for hours has rescued 39 people so far.
Haryanto, a 51-year-old survivor, said the speedboat capsized amid heavy rains and high waves about two hours after it left Johor Bahru in Malaysia.
He said the boat was overcrowded with standing room only.
A police helicopter and more than a dozen boats are involved in the search and rescue effort.
Speedboats and ferries are a common form of transport in Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago. Sinkings are common due to poorly enforced safety regulations.
One of the worst ferry sinking in recent years occurred off Sulawesi in 2009, killing more than 330 people.
For all the Latest World News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
More from World
EUFSC President Konstantin Ishkhanov “Thrilled†to Announce Opening of InClassica Festival in Dubai
Maiden Al-Mohed Al-Hindi Exercise Set to Begin Between Indian Navy and Saudi Arabia Navy
Excellent job by India in reducing COVID-19 related deaths by clamping lockdown: Indian-American doc
Pak summons Indian diplomat over expulsion of 2 High Commission officials on espionage charges
Trump postpones G7 summit, wants India, others to join group