An overcrowded wooden ferry sank in one of the world’s deepest volcanic lakes in Sumatra

Divers and an underwater drone yesterday joined a fleet of rescue vessels in Indonesia’s search for at least 192 passengers missing two days after an overcrowded wooden ferry sank in one of the world’s deepest volcanic lakes in Sumatra.

Authorities are unable to confirm how many were aboard when the vessel sank on Monday in bad weather, since it did not have a manifest.

Four were confirmed dead and 18 survivors picked up, but officials fear the death toll could be much higher. Tearful relatives waiting for news gathered at the small port of Tigaras on Lake Toba.

Search teams expect to find many more trapped victims once they know where the vessel came to rest in the lake, which is 450 m (1,500 feet) deep.

“We have the coordinates from when it sank, but we need to verify them,” said Budiawan, a search and rescue official.

A team of 25 divers, including marines, was searching for the vessel, along with a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV) that can operate up to a depth of 380 m (1,247 ft), he added.