Rescue workers are looking for more than a dozen people still missing after an overcrowded ferry sank off the Borneo coast.

Indonesian officials said at least 18 people had drowned in the incident off South Kalimantan.

Officials told reporters that the wooden ship was over-crowded, carrying four crew and more than 100 passengers.

Shipping is a main form of transport across the archipelago and accidents are not uncommon.

The boat had departed from Tanjung Dewa and was heading towards Serongga, officials said.

"So far we have found 18 bodies. As many as 74 people have been rescued safely," said the head of Search and Rescue Office of the province, Rusli Ansyah.

The cause of the accident is unknown. Offcials said there was strong waves and wind when the boat sank late on Monday.

Indonesia comprises of more than 17,000 islands.

Overcrowding, high seas and poor safety standards have caused many fatal accidents.

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