Tragedy During Good Friday Procession in Indonesia

In Indonesia, a Good Friday pilgrimage has turned to tragedy when a boat loaded with people capsized in high waves.  Early reports list at least seven dead, including three children and a nun, and dozens missing.

The fishing boat was transporting a statue of the Virgin Mary from Flores island to another when it sank.  The boat, which was designed to hold only 30 people, had more than 70 aboard when a 6.5-foot wave crashed into it, causing it to tip as hundreds of villagers watched helplessly from shore.

Indonesian police reported that 30 injured people were rescued and transported to a local hospital.

Boats and ferries are popular means of transportation in the Indonesian archipelago.  Accidents due to overcrowding and poor safety conditions are common.