Friday, November 27, 2009

Bad weather stops ferry to and from Tanjung Balai Karimun

Over the last week, ferries have been stopped from traveling to and from Tanjung Balai on two days where the weather have been really bad. This means all the ferries from Batam, Singapore and Kukup Malaysia were not allowed to ply their routes.

Today (26th Nov) is another ferry ban day. The authorities are watching the weather closely and will lift the ban once they are confident it is safe enough to do so. However if the weather remains the same or worsen, the ban will be extended beyond 26th Nov.

Waves up to 2.5 meters and strong wind have even stopped the local fishermen from going out to make their living. Since the sinking of the ferry Dumai Ekspres 10, authorities are being extra cautious.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Ferry from Batam to Dumai sank near Karimun Island


The Dumai Ekspress 10, the sister ship of the boat here, sank near Karimum Island. This is the similar boat that plies between Kukup and Tanjung Balai Karimun.

Over 25 bodies have been recovered. More than 240 people have been rescued and bought to Tanjung Balai Karimun.

This is the monsoon season and high waves are common in the Melacca straits off Sumatra.