By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
A ship carrying around 850 passengers sank in a storm off the coast of Central Java, a Navy commander told Indonesian radio Saturday, saying he feared many people died.
Navy Commander Col. Yan Simamora said the Senopati went down at around midnight Friday while traveling from Sumarang on Central Java to the port of Kumai on Central Kalimantan province.
He told El-shinta radio that rescue workers have found nine survivors but that he feared the others may be dead.
"So far, the rescue team, using helicopters and ships has been searching for other passengers, but limited visibility and bad weather is hampering the rescue," he said. "Because of the high waves and wind, I'm afraid many have died."