Second Indonesian Disaster in One WeekCrowded Ferry Sinks, 8 Dead

Eight passengers are confirmed dead and 60 are missing after an overloaded wooden ferry transporting people home for the holidays sank in stormy conditions off eastern Indonesia on Wednesday, according to AP reports.

The ferry, packed with more than 150 people, sank off the Maluku Islands after being pounded 12-foot waves, says transport official Mr. Nus Sileti.  He stated that the ship crowded with individuals heading home for the holidays ran into a big storm with waves that engulfed the whole boat, leaving no chance of staying upright. 

PHOTO: Map of Maluku Islands in Indonesia.

Sileti disclosed that 7 or 8 bodies were pulled from the water, a large number have been rescued, but around 60 are still missing.

This is the second tragic ferrying incident to hit Indonesia this week.  To read about the even bigger disaster earlier this week, click here.