Boats collide, one dead, nine missing

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Ten people thought to be on their way home to celebrate Idul Fitri with loved ones are feared dead after two ships collided in rough seas in waters off Southeast Sulawesi on Thursday night.

The victims, nine of whom are missing believed drowned, were among at least 30 passengers on the KM Sinar Akapa, which collided with the KM Adidas off Wawoni island on Thursday night.

Kendiri harbor chief Abdul Rachman said the Sinar Akapa was traveling from Kendari to Wawoni island when the collision took place.

"The Sinar Akapa sank as a result of the collision while the KM Adidas managed to arrive safely in Kendari," he told DPA on Friday.

Antara identified the only confirmed deceased as Marsiani, 15, from Wawoni. His body was taken home.

Another passenger seriously injured in the collision was taken to a hospital in Kendari.

Rescue workers assisted by local fishermen were still searching for the missing people.

Kendari Police are investigating the cause of the accident and are questioning Sinar Akaba's captain, Autu, 35.

Rachman said the ship was illegally chartered and left Kendari Port without the proper permits or lights.

The KM Adidas fishing vessel was manned by four crew members and was not carrying passengers, he said.

"It is common here for people to illegally charter boats to go to neighboring islands for the Idul Fitri holiday," he was quoted by AFP as saying.

One survivor, Asri, said the Sinar Akaba left Kendari Port for Roko-Roko harbor in Wawoni island in bad weather.

The collision took place as millions of Indonesians began traveling home by bus, plane, ship and train to celebrate Idul Fitri in their hometowns next Tuesday and Wednesday.