Indonesia: Ferry accident near Sulawesi July 3; fatalities reported

Event

A ferry with 140 passengers on board sank off the coast of Sulawesi island; at least six fatalities have been reported. The KM Lestari ferry was sailing from Bira (Sulawesi) to Pamatata (Selayar) amid strong winds and high, powerful waves when the accident occurred. The ferry was said to be close to shore at the time.

Context

Indonesia suffers frequent boat accidents, with basic safety rules often flouted and vessels overloaded. An overcrowded ferry capsized with 200 passengers on board during a storm on the 460m (1500-ft) deep Lake Toba on June 18; only 18 passengers survived.

Advice

People present in Indonesia should be aware of the high risk presented by traveling by ferry throughout this island nation. Several Western governments advise their citizens against using older ferries during their stay.