280 missing in boat accident

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.