280 missing in boat accident

Wed, 10 Feb 1999, 00:00 WIB | Source: JP

PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Two hundred eighty of 300
passengers and crew are listed as missing after a boat sank on
Sunday in waters off Sambas regency.

Antara reported on Tuesday the KM Hanaka sank about 90
kilometers off Pengikih island.

Pontianak official Zainuddin told the agency the boat with 300
passengers and cargo, including timber, departed from West
Kalimantan for Pekanbaru, Riau.

Hanaka left Pemangkat port in Sambas regency on Sunday and
sank the same day.

Twenty people kept afloat in the water for hours before they
were saved by crew of the passing Hamada Philippine vessel.

Seven of them are being treated at Yos Sudarso Hospital in
Pontianak.

Zainuddin said it was possible more people were saved by other
ships which had yet to report the rescues. The Navy and other
parties are continuing search and rescue operations.

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