Rescuers search for missing victims in the boat accident in Lake Toba (Photo: AFP/VNA)Jakarta (VNA) – Indonesian authorities on June 22used sonar technology in the search for victims going missing during a boataccident in Lake Toba, one of the world’s deepest lakes.
The KM Sinar Bangun boat sank on June 18 as it sailed from Samosir, avolcanic island in the middle of Lake Toba to Parapat town.
Indonesian authorities confirmed that three died in the accident while 193are missing, including children. Only 18 were rescued.
The boat is still missing four days after the accident, despite a largescale search with the involvement of 400 personnel.
It was not immediately clearwhether any foreigners were among the passengers. Most of the passengers areholidaymakers enjoying the country's 12-day-long Eid al-Fitr holiday.
The accident is said to be one of the worst waterway tragedies inIndonesia, where ferry accidents are common as the country is an archipelago ofmore than 17,000 islands.
Indonesian police have arrested the captain of the passenger boat, whowas among 18 survivors in the accident.
Indonesian Ministry of Transportation has decided to halt the operationof all tourism boats in Lake Toba in seven days to serve the search for victims.
During the suspension, all boats will undergo safety checks. Only thosemeeting safety standards of Indonesia can resume operation after therestriction time to avoid similar accidents.
Lake Toba is the largest volcaniclake in the world and a popular spot for local and international tourists.-VNA
