22 people missing in boat accident

22 people missing in boat accident

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Navy and police are still
searching for 22 people missing in a boat accident in the Strait
of Malacca off Belawan port, North Sumatra last Friday, Antara
reported yesterday.

Deputy commander of the Naval Base on Belawan port, Col. TGH
Lubis, said there are no details yet about the exact location of
where the wooden boat sank. At least 40 Indonesian workers were
aboard the boat returning from Malaysia. Eighteen people were
rescued by local fishermen.

Lubis said most of the workers were from Central Java and
Aceh.

The news agency reported that the boat departed from Kuala
Juru waters in Penang, Malaysia last Friday for Tanjung Balai and
Belawan in Indonesia.

After several hours of sailing, the boat was hit by strong
waves and began to take on water.

Antara reported some of the passengers were adrift on water
jerry cans before they were rescued by passing fishing boats.

The news agency reported another boat accident in Maro Kumbe
waters off Merauke, Irian Jaya. At least three died in the
accident which happened on Nov. 8.

The last victim was found Thursday, according to a spokesman
for the Naval Base in Merauke, Capt. Darwin A. Sigilipu. The
victim was identified only as Yahya.

The other two victims were identified as Wong Ching of
Malaysia and We Siu of China.

Darwin said Wong Ching's body had been returned to Malaysia
recently, while those of Yahya and We Siu would be buried in
Merauke.

The boat MV Alam Samudra, reportedly loaded with cargo, sank
after it was hit by strong winds and waves.

The news agency did not say where the boat departed from or
its destination. Sixteen people survived the accident and were
rescued by a team of Navy officers, members of the local police,
local port authorities and relevant agencies.

Some of the survivors are being treated at the Merauke General
Hospital, while the rest have returned home.

The boat, which was used to supply goods to remote
subdistricts in Merauke, was reportedly in poor shape and no
longer seaworthy. (aan)