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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Siobhan Fenton

Indonesia ferry fire: At least 23 dead after flames engulf vessel off tourist island

At least 23 people have died after a ferry caught fire near the Indonesian capital of Jakarta, officials have said.

The vessel was carrying around 200 people when it became engulfed in flames which gutted half of the ship. 17 others are missing, according to officials.

At least ten people have been taken to hospital for medical treatment for injuries sustained.

At least 98 people have been safely rescued.

Authorities and rescue workers are still searching for those who remain unaccounted for.

The incident occurred during a trip from the port of Muara Angke to Tidung, a resort island in the Kepulauan Seribu chain which is also known as The Thousand Islands.

A spokesperson for Thousand Islands Police said the fire was caused by a short circuit on a power generator on the boat.

It is believed to have happened soon after the trip began.

 

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