16 missing off Sumbawa island

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: Sixteen people were reported missing when a vessel sank some six kilometers off Sumbawa island Friday night.

Sumbawa Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Setiadi PR confirmed the incident which took place at around 7 p.m. local time and said that the search was still ongoing to locate more survivors from the ill-fated Pulau Kelapa II.

Eight survivors have been found so far.

Setiadi said on Sunday that the vessel, carrying 24 crew and passengers, departed from Tanjung Perak seaport in Surabaya, East Java, bound for Flores island.

Survivors were reportedly rescued by local fishermen who witnessed the incident.

Separately the ships owner, Amun, said the vessel's motor broke down when it approached Sumbawa island.

"The ship was then hit by strong waves," Amun said.

Amun claimed that his company incurred some Rp 15 billion in financial losses as a result of the accident. (yac)