161 passengers presumed dead

MERAUKE, Irian Jaya: After an extensive two-week search, officials said on Tuesday the remaining 161 passengers of a ship which sank on Oct. 18 were missing and presumed dead.

Bimas Raya II was carrying a total 436 passengers and 28 crew.

The head of the rescue team, Bambang Riswanto, said there were 75 survivors. He said the team discovered 200 bodies near the coast of Komolon beach and Kumbis beach or around the site of the accident.

"Most of the corpses could not be identified because they were already decomposed. Only those carrying IDs could be identified."

Among the passengers were 25 people from Senggo, 114 from Atsy, 24 from Kimam, eight from Haju, six from Paniai Kasuari and 259 from Asgon Port. (eba/02)