Ferry capsizes on river in Malaysia

A number of people have been reported missing after the ferry capsized on a river in Borneo

By Nicole Hamer |

13:31 29 May 2013

A ferry that hit rocks in a river has capsized in Malaysia. The boat was travelling along a river on the island of Borneo when the incident happened on Tuesday, 29^thMay, 2013.

 

It has been reported that many individuals have survived the ordeal; at least 180 people are safe as of time of writing.

 

Following the incident a search mission was put into operation in a bid to find any more survivors. Police previously said that a number of people were missing. According to media reports, over 20 people are missing as of time of writing.

 

Reportedly a number of individuals made their way to land after the ferry capsized.

 

The vessel is believed to have been overloaded with people, the district police chief Bakar Sebau has said.

 

It is understood many of the passengers were making the ferry journey on the river in Sarawak ahead of a festival.

 

The island of Borneo is split in three – comprising of Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia. Borneo is situated North of Java and East of Sumatra in Indonesia. The South China Sea is one sea that surrounds it.

 

Many travellers visit places such as Indonesia and Malaysia in South Asia every year.