Ferry capsizes while unloading vehicles in Kalimantan, Indonesia

A Ro-Pax ferry capsized as it was unloading its cargo of vehicles in Kalimantan on the Indonesian side of the island of Borneo on Wednesday, October 19.

The incident occurred at around 02:00 local time on Wednesday shortly after the Indonesian-flagged Satya Kencana III arrived at the Port of Kumai on Kalimantan’s southern coast.

Witnesses said the ferry listed heavily as a lorry was being unloaded via the port side ramp.

The crew attempted to keep the vessel upright by adjusting the ballast tanks. However, it continued to roll until it ended up on its side, causing the lorry to fall into the water.

A number of vehicles are still on board the ferry, though no injuries have been reported as all 289 passengers had already disembarked by the time the capsizing occurred.

Containment booms have since been placed around the half-submerged vessel in anticipation of possible oil spills.