More than 70 people rescued, 10 die after ferry sinks in eastern Indonesia

Ferry sinks in eastern Indonesia; 10 die, 77 saved

JAKARTA, Indonesia — Rescuers have plucked dozens of survivors from the water after a passenger ferry sank in eastern Indonesia, killing 10 people and leaving one missing.

The Hastina III sunk off East Nusatenggara province after a large wave slammed into the wooden ship, sending panicked passengers running to one side. It capsized between Adonara and Lembata islands.

Police Lt. Abdul Rahma Aba said rescue vessels reached the scene quickly and pulled 77 people to safety. Ten bodies were recovered and a search was continuing for one person.

Ferries are a main source of transportation in Indonesia, an archipelago nation with more than 17,000 islands and 235 million people. Accidents are common due to overcrowding and poor safety standards.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Rescuers plucked dozens of survivors from the water Monday after a passenger ferry sank in eastern Indonesia, killing 10 people and leaving one missing, police said.

The Hastina III went down off the coast of East Nusatenggara province in the east after a large wave slammed into the wooden ship, sending panicked passengers running to one side. It capsized between the islands of Adonara and Lembata, said Lt. Abdul Rahma Aba.

Rescue vessels reached the scene quickly, he said, and were able to pull 77 people to safety. Ten bodies were recovered and a search was on for one person still missing, he said.

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.