12 Iraqis, Iranians stranded near Bali

DENPASAR, Bali: At least 12 of the 61 Iraqi and Iranian nationals found stranded off the caost of Bali Tuesday morning following engine trouble to their vessel do not have passports.

"They said they had left their passports in Surabaya, thus making the inspection process a little bit longer as the passports must be sent over," said immigration official I Made here on Tuesday.

The stranded foreigners were found floating about 20-miles offshore.

"While waiting for the arrival of their passports which are reportedly being sent from Surabaya, they are accommodated at Melati Hotel in Sanur under the tight supervision of immigration officers".

"They themselves are covering the cost of their stay at the hotel," Parka said, adding that those who do have a passport have a valid visa until the end of January 2000.

Antara reported that they are suspected of intending to illegally enter Australia through Indonesian waters.