Ferry carrying more than 50 people sinks in eastern Indonesia

Ferry sinks in eastern Indonesia

JAKARTA, Indonesia — A police chief says a ferry carrying more than 50 people sank in eastern Indonesia. At least 10 people died and 16 others were rescued.

Lt. Abdul Rahma Aba told the local television station, TVOne, that the accident occurred Monday off East Nusatenggara province.

He says the boat was heading from the island of Adonara to Lembata, both located just east of Flores island.

Ferries are a main source of transportation in Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago nation with more than 17,000 islands and a population of 235 million. Sea accidents are common due to overcrowding and poor safety standards.