Ferry sinking death toll rises to 25

JAKARTA, Nov. 22 (UPI) -- Officials said Sunday the death toll from a sunken ferry disaster off the Indonesian island of Sumatra increased to 25 people.

Ministry of Transportation spokesman Bambang Ervan told CNN that authorities are investigating the deadly incident since the 25 fatalities and 232 rescued passengers and crew members do not match the tallies on the ferry's manifest.

The manifest for the Dumai Express 10 said 225 people were on board the vessel, including 12 crew members. The Ministry of Transportation earlier estimated that 260 people may have been on board the vessel when it capsized in rough waters.

The ferry capsized and sunk while traveling from Batam island to Riau, Sumatra. Bad weather may have played a role in the deadly incident, CNN reported.

Another ferry ran aground Sunday between Batam and Moro islands, CNN reported. All aboard were reported safe.

At least 800 people have died during the last three years in ferry accidents in Indonesia, which has more than 17,000 islands and is dependent upon ferry travel.