Off the Indonesian island of Sumatra, a ferry sank and at least 26 people were killed. They said a unknown number of people have been missing. The cause they believe was bad weather. Over 250 passengers survived this tragedy. Strong winds and waves competed with rescue efforts. The ferry sunk off the Riau province. The ferry carried passengers between Riau and Batam island. The ministry of transportation is investigating because the number of passengers doesn't match the ferry's manifest aboard.The ministry estimated that there 260 aboard the ship, the manifest indicated 213. There were 12 crew members and 15 children. Overcrowding is very common on these ferries. A lot of people have died in ferry accidents on the boats that connect Indonesia's islands because of overcrowding and the fact that safety regulations are very poorly enforced. Dozens of passangers struggled in rough waters and in life jackets, before they were rescued. Weather was suspected in the area. Another ferry sank on its way from Batam. All those Passengers were rescued though. I hope everything gets under control out there. I wonder if the number of passengers will ever match up.
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