Woman found 25 hours after Indonesia ferry sank

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Some 25 hours after a crowded ferry sank off Indonesia's Sumatra island, a woman has been pulled from the choppy waters.

At least 29 people drowned and 20 others are missing after the Dumai Express 10 was hit by towering waves during an inter-island trip. A total of 255 survivors have been pulled from the sea since the ship sank yesterday.

Officials described the rescued woman as "very tough." She was wearing a life jacket when she was spotted by fishermen and is said to be in stable condition.

Navy Lt. Col. Edwin says fishing boats, police patrols, navy warships and a helicopter are still searching for 20 people reported missing. Edwin says bad weather and 13-foot high waves are hampering efforts.

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<<CUT …265 (11/22/09)>> 00:13 "considering themselves lucky"

Anthony Deutsch (doytch)

AP Correspondent Anthony Deutsch reports that even though at least 29 people died when a ferry sank off Indonesia's Sumatra island, it could have been worse.

<<CUT …266 (11/22/09)>> 00:09 "accident like this"

Anthony Deutsch (doytch)

AP Correspondent Anthony Deutsch reports police patrols and navy warships are helping after a ferry sank in a storm off Indonesia's Sumatra Island.

<<CUT …267 (11/22/09)>> 00:19 "run into trouble"

Anthony Deutsch (doytch)

AP Correspondent Anthony Deutsch reports accidents like this are not unusual in Indonesia. ((note length of cut))

<<APPHOTO JAK103 (11/23/09)>>

: Residents help lift an unconscious relative after she finds out her family died in a ferry sinking at Sekupang port in Batam, Indonesia, Monday Nov. 23, 2009. Rescuers returned to choppy waters off Indonesia's Sumatra island Monday to search for passengers still missing after a ferry sank in a storm Sunday.

<<APPHOTO JAK102 (11/23/09)>>

: An unidentified relative of a victim weeps while waiting for news at Sekupang port in Batam, Indonesia, Monday, Nov. 23, 2009. Rescuers returned to choppy waters off Indonesia's Sumatra island Monday to search for passengers still missing after a ferry sank in a storm on Sunday.