Captain, two others arrested over fatal ferry capsizing off Bali

Indonesian media reports that three people have been arrested in connection with the fatal capsizing and sinking of a passenger vessel near Bali in late June of this year.

A spokesman of the Indonesian National Police said in a press conference that the captain of the 50-metre Ro-Pax ferry Yunicee has been detained for his alleged failure to ensure the safety of the passengers and crew of the ill-fated vessel on the night (local time) of June 29.

Also arrested were an employee of the ferry’s operating company and an official of Ketapang Port in East Java, the vessel’s point of origin on the night that it capsized. The police said there is also evidence pointing to these two other suspects’ role in the incident.

The police confirmed earlier reports that Yunicee had sailed out with cargo totalling 230 tonnes whereas it should have carried a maximum of only 35 tonnes.

Authorities also believe the ferry was carrying a total of 77 people at the time of the incident. Of that number, 51 were rescued, 11 were found dead, and the remainder are still missing.

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