Lake Toba Ferry Fiasco: Authorities Pin Four Suspects on the Scandal
What Went Down
On a stormy night last week, the ferry Sinar Bangun met a watery grave on Indonesia’s volcanic Lake Toba, located in Sumatra. The ship, already drowning in bad weather, was packed to bursting—overly full of passengers and even a handful of motorcycles.
Only three people were confirmed dead; however, nearly 200 souls went missing, making this one of the most horrific ferry disasters Indonesia has faced in nearly a decade.
The Cast of Suspects
- The vessel’s Captain
- Three Port & Transportation Officials from North Sumatra
Police chief Paulus Waterpauw told Reuters that these four individuals are under investigation for cutting corners on shipping regulations. “They were chasing profit at any cost, stuffing the ferry beyond its limits,” Waterpauw explained.
Circumstances & So‑Called “Safety Neglect”
It turns out the Sinar Bangun didn’t even have a sailing permit, failed to meet seaworthiness requirements, or meet basic safety standards. In short, it was a not‑so‑shimmering jewel of maritime law.
Survival Story
Sixty‑six passengers, including the captain, managed to grab onto life jackets or other salvaged material and escape into the lake’s dark waters. Unfortunately, the majority are believed to be trapped in the wreck, which rests around 450 metres below the surface—far beyond the reach of regular divers.
Potential Trouble for the Suspects
If found guilty, each offender could face up to 10 years in prison and a hefty fine of 1.5 billion rupiah (roughly S$145,000). The investigation continues as authorities decide whether to attempt a recovery operation versus leaving the boat in its mysterious watery depths.
