Indonesia extends search for dozens missing in ferry disaster

Indonesian search-and-rescue teams have extended operations to locate dozens of passengers still missing after a ferry accident, moving beyond the typical seven-day search period that usually concludes recovery efforts.

The decision to prolong the operation reflects the scale of the incident and the number of people unaccounted for. Authorities have deployed multiple vessels and personnel to comb through affected waters as they work to account for all passengers and crew members who were aboard the vessel.

Standard search-and-rescue protocols in Indonesia typically conclude after one week, though operations may be extended based on circumstances and the likelihood of locating survivors. The extension signals that officials believe there remains a reasonable prospect of recovery efforts yielding results.

Indonesia's maritime rescue coordination agency has coordinated the multi-day operation, which has involved systematic searches of the incident zone and surrounding waters. Family members of the missing have been kept informed of developments as the search continues.