Indonesia Correspondent:

The rescue operation has been intensified after a passenger boat capsized in Indonesian waters. Although five passengers have been rescued alive in adverse weather and rough seas so far, at least 20 are still missing, local authorities said.

​Rescue teams and the local disaster management agency confirmed this information on Sunday (July 19) morning.
​According to initial information, the boat sank last night local time after being hit by strong waves. The rescued people said that the boat had more passengers than its capacity. The navy, coast guard and local fishermen are continuing the search in search of the missing.

​A spokesman for the Indonesian disaster management agency said that the rescue operation is being hampered by bad weather. Warnings of excessive rain and high waves have been issued in the area. The administration has promised to continue the rescue operation even though the chances of finding the missing passengers alive have diminished.

An investigation committee has been formed to find out the detailed cause of the incident. It is being investigated whether there was any safety defect in the boat or whether the accident occurred due to carrying too many passengers.

​Indonesia, the world's largest island nation, sea travel is a very common means of transportation. However, such tragic sea accidents are often reported due to non-compliance with safety rules and uncontrolled passenger transportation. After this incident, there has been a demand to strengthen sea safety across the country.

​The entire area is currently going through a period of mourning and anxiety for the families and relatives of the missing. We are keeping a close eye on the situation.