12 Iraqis, Iranians stranded near Bali

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.