The death toll from an Indonesian ferry sinking has risen to 18, authorities said yesterday, the latest maritime accident to hit the archipelago nation.

The overloaded passenger boat was carrying more than 60 people when it overturned Monday in rough seas near Madura island, off Java’s north coast.

Indonesia’s search and rescue agency said 18 people had died, including several children, with 39 survivors.

A fleet of rescue vessels, a plane and local fishing boats are searching the waters for at least four others still missing, authorities said.

But local reports have suggested that there could be more victims who were not listed on the official manifest.