Ferryboat evacuated after nearly capsizing

LOMBOK, Indonesia, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- A ferryboat nearly capsized in rough seas off the coast of Bali, Indonesia, and 202 passengers and crew were evacuated, authorities said.

None of the passengers was injured, the Jakarta Globe reported Friday.

The ferryboat got caught in high waves about 2:10 p.m. Wednesday while heading from Padangbai port in Bali to Lembar port in West Lombok, officials said.

"The waves were so high and suddenly the ship was leaning to one side. That's when we heard a loud slamming noise and we all rushed to grab the life vests," passenger Nyoman Tirtawati told the Globe.

Three ships were sent to rescue the passengers and crew 11 hours after the boat got caught in the high waves. Officials had to wait for a lull in the weather, said Carda Damanik, head of the local branch of state-owned ferry operator ASDP Indonesia.

After evacuation, the passengers went to a remote part of the main island of Lombok, then were taken to Lembar by bus.

High winds caused waves more than 16 feet high Wednesday, the Globe said.