10 children drowned when boat capsizes off Cirebon

Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon

At least 10 children were drowned when an overloaded vessel capsized during a traditional good luck ceremony in waters off the West Java city of Cirebon on Sunday, police here said.

They said the death toll could rise as authorities and local villagers were still searching for passengers. It was unclear how many people were aboard the ill-fated boat.

Losari Police chief Adj. Comr. Wahyudi said the fishing vessel was likely overloaded, causing it to capsize at around 10:10 a.m. local time.

The motorized boat sank around 35 kilometers east of Cirebon as its passengers struggled for food offerings floating in the sea as part of a traditional Nyadran ceremony held by residents of Ambulu village in Losari subdistrict, he said.

Wahyudi said the children killed in the mishap were aged between four and 12 years. Authorities were still identifying the dead.

The boat's captain, identified only as Udin, and his son were among the survivors, who also included three brothers.

Udin is being questioned about his culpability in the deaths.

Wahyudi said the sinking occurred in waters at a depth of two meters and was witnessed by many participants of the cultural party, who were on board of different vessels.

"Between 20 and 25 boats were participating. But they were powerless to rescue the victims because the accident happened too fast and they were shocked and unnerved."

He said that in normal conditions, the small boat would carry a maximum of six people and their fishing equipment.

The party was an annual traditional thanksgiving ceremony held to welcome the Islamic fasting month of Ramadhan, which this year falls on Nov. 6.

During the event, sedekah (religious meals) are set adrift.

"Giving sedekah is part of thanksgivings to God for blessings granted to the fishermen. Those who believe the religious meals will give them luck struggle for the offerings to take home," Wahyudi said.