An inquiry is under way in Indonesia following the sinking of a ferry off the Sumatran coast. The ship went down in heavy seas, claiming the lives of 29 people. Another 17 are missing.

The ship went down in inland waters so rescuers were swiftly on the scene. 245 passengers were saved, but the inquiry will want some questions answered. Notably, why did the captain set sail in such poor weather, into the teeth of six metre waves? Was the ferry seaworthy? And why were only 213 people on the boarding list? Ferry disasters are all-too frequent in the sprawling island nation, and often the result of overcrowding or poor maintenance. The search for more survivors is being hampered by continuing poor weather.More about: Accident, Indonesia, Victims

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