(UTV|COLOMBO) – The death toll from an Indonesian ferry disaster could top 180, as authorities raised an estimate of the number of people missing two days after the wooden tourist boat sank in a lake formed in the crater of an ancient volcano, the New York Post reported.
Divers and an underwater drone joined the search of Lake Toba on Sumatra island on Wednesday as tearful relatives of gathered at the small port in Tigaras, awaiting any news.
The new estimate on the number missing is three times the ferry’s capacity and up from around 130 estimated previously, including many children.
Eighteen survivors were picked up soon after the overcrowded ferry sank early Monday evening, as the wind picked up and waters turned rough on the lake.
Dozens of desperate family members crowded around as a third body was brought ashore at Tigaras on Wednesday morning.
Searchers expect to find many more victims trapped in the doomed vessel once they locate where it came to rest in the 1,500 feet deep lake.
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