120 sea accidents in Bali in 1998

JAKARTA (JP): The country's main tourist destination, Bali, has had 120 marine accidents involving both domestic and foreign tourists this year. The accidents were blamed on rising tides on the coasts of Pecatu, Nusa Dua, Canggu and Kuta.

The accidents claimed 19 lives, the head of the ocean tourism safety body, Balawisata in Bali's regency of Badung, I Gede Berata, was quoted by Antara in Denpasar as saying Monday. He said the recorded accidents were as of Dec. 19.

The rest of the 101 people involved in these accidents while swimming or enjoying water sports were saved.

Among the identified victims who died as reported by the agency were Fatrisia, 28, of Canada, John Ollues, 26, of Australia and Filef Barbar, 30, of France.

Domestic tourists who were killed in the accidents among others were Sugeng, 21, Muchin, 17, and Yana Supratna, 18.

Berata said the victims who were carried away by the currents were either in forbidden areas or in areas beyond the control of coast guards.

Berata said he hoped tourists and locals would pay better attention to various warning signs along the beach and in the water.