Indonesia hit by second ferry disaster in five days
A ferry carrying 243 people sank in rough weather between the Indonesian islands of Java and Borneo, leaving at least one person dead and more than 100 still missing. It marks the second major ferry accident in the region within five days.
A ferry carrying 243 passengers and crew has sunk in rough seas while sailing between the Indonesian islands of Java and Borneo, in what has become the second major ferry disaster to strike the region in just five days.
At least one person has been confirmed dead, while more than 100 others remain missing following the sinking. Search efforts are focused on locating the missing passengers and crew members.
The back-to-back accidents have renewed scrutiny of ferry safety standards across Indonesia, an archipelago nation of thousands of islands where sea travel is a primary means of transport between major landmasses, including the densely populated islands of Java and Borneo. Concerns highlighted include chronic overcrowding of vessels and inadequate maintenance, both of which are seen as recurring factors behind the country's frequent maritime accidents.
Authorities are facing renewed pressure to address these underlying safety issues as the toll from the latest disaster continues to be assessed.
