Fears for passenger ship off Indonesian coast

  • 20/12/2015
Fears for passenger ship off Indonesian coast

Rescuers are trying to reach a ship carrying more than 100 people which has been caught in rough seas off Indonesia's coast.

Radio New Zealand is reporting Indonesian authorities believe the ship was hit by high waves which shut down the engine on the vessel.

Six rescue boats have been dispatched, but they too are battling with poor conditions. They are due to reach the ship sometime this morning local time.

There has not been any word yet on casualties.

According to Radio NZ the captain had told authorities there was water starting to enter the ship, and it is understood the ship has not yet sunk.

Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands linked by ferries, but these services are plagued by a poor safety record.

3 News