18 missing as ferry sinks

DENPASAR, Bali: At least 18 people are feared drowned when a ferry linking Java's easternmost port of Ketapang with the tourist island of Bali sank on Monday evening, Antara reported yesterday.

The ferry Trisila Pratama was carrying 29 passengers and 11 crew when the mishap took place, the report said but did not explain the cause of the accident.

Eleven passengers and seven crew were still missing, the report said, adding that Trisila was one of the 17 ferries operating in the Bali Straits.

Bali Governor Ida Bagus Oka came to the site by helicopter soon after the accident was reported to him. Police Search and Rescue officials worked hard yesterday to find the missing persons .(03)