Indonesia ferry death toll hits 66 as search enters 16th day

Indonesian disaster management and maritime rescue authorities confirmed on Monday that the death toll from a passenger ferry disaster has reached 66 after additional bodies were retrieved from the submerged wreckage. The search has entered its 16th day as divers work tirelessly amidst deteriorating conditions.

Emergency rescue teams explained that divers face severe operational challenges beneath the surface, including thick plumes of leaking bunker fuel, heavy underwater currents, and shifting debris within the collapsed decks. At least 69 passengers remain unaccounted for, according to official passenger manifests and family reports.

The vessel had capsized earlier this month during turbulent weather while navigating between regional island ports. Overloaded conditions and sudden engine failure in rough seas are among the primary factors being investigated as contributing causes of the maritime tragedy.

Indonesia's National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) stated that while the likelihood of finding survivors has diminished, naval assets and sonar mapping systems will maintain their search perimeter until all accessible compartments of the hull have been thoroughly inspected.