Ferry Crashes into Port Building, 181 Passengers Evacuated

BASARNAS The Indonesian-flagged Jetliner ferry carrying 181 passengers on board smashed into a port office building while approaching Kendari port, southeast Sulawesi island, Indonesia, on November 23. The ferry suddenly lost steering control causing it to crash into the building at high speed, the Indonesian Search and Rescue Agency informed. The port facility sustained massive damage, and initial reports indicate that the 1996-built RoRo sustained damages to its bow. The agency added that once informed of the incident it sent its rescue boast to the scene. A total of 181 passengers and 36 crew members were evacuated from the vessel. There were no injuries reported. The cause of the incident is yet to be determined, the agency said. World Maritime News Staff