British worker trapped in gas pipe

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Local authorities here are continuing to search for the British national believed to be trapped in a gas pipe off Bontang island.

Graham Robertson Henry Weil, 36, who works for PT Mac Dermot Indonesia, went missing Monday.

Lt. Col. Syamsurizal, chief of Bontang Police, was quoted by Antara as saying yesterday that Weil was reportedly last seen heading off to a welding job on a gas pipe.

The gas pipe is about six miles off Santan Unocal terminal in Muara Badak, Bontang.

He said Weil left the terminal with three colleagues, John Moni (50), also a Briton, Patrick Leonard (38), an American, and Johan Soumokil (36) from Ambon.

Many said Weil could have been sucked into the 1-meter diameter gas pipe after opening the valve.

The pipe channels gas from its source off Bontang island to an inland terminal.

Syamsurizal said after receiving a report on the accident, a number of policemen and coastguard patrols were immediately deployed to search for Weil.

He said the company's security personnel have flooded the pipe with water in an attempt to find his body.

Syamsurizal said the police had not dismissed the possibility of foul play and are investigating.