Indonesian ferry blaze toll rises to 20 as probe begins

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2007

JAKARTA (AFP) — The death toll in Indonesia's latest ferry disaster rose to 20 as the navy continued a massive search for about 120 people still missing and a probe was launched into the tragedy.

Two more bodies arrived on board a navy vessel, The KRI Viper, at Jakarta's Tanjung Priok harbour late Saturday, according to an official from the relief coordinating centre at the port -- bringing the death toll so far to 20.

A team set out to begin an investigation into the disaster Sunday.

The ship's captain and first officer are being held by police.

The Levina I ferry caught fire while on its way from Jakarta to Bangka island on Thursday morning. The precise number of people who were on board the ship remains unclear but estimates put the total at well...