Indonesia resumes search for the missing in ferry fire accident

Indonesia on Monday morning resumed search for those who were still missing in a ferry fire accident, the authorities said.

A ferry carrying over 200 people caught fire in waters off Jakarta on Sunday, leaving 23 people dead, 20 injured and 17 missing.

The ferry was en route from Muara Angke sea port in Jakarta to the nearby island. Most of the passengers of the ferry were tourists to visit Tidung Island for recreation.

At least 17 people were still missing and they were supposed to jump into the waters when the Zahro Express ferry caught fire in the Gulf of Jakarta, said Doni Pratama, one of the rescuers involved in the search mission.

"We will comb around the waters where the incident took place," he told Xinhua by phone.

One big ship and a speedboat were deployed for the operation, said Doni.

"And a total of 20 divers have also been prepared for searching for the missing," the rescuer added. Endit