Chinese boat shelters in Dili

DILI, East Timor: Fifty-seven boat people from mainland China have been stranded since Thursday at the Dili port because of a mechanical failure in their vessel,Antara reported Monday.

"They were heading for New Zealand. However, the Rantong ship had a mechanical breakdown, so they sought the nearest port," Dili Police spokesman Capt. Widodo, said.

The 57 passengers consisted of 43 males and 14 females.

Widodo denied rumors circulating in Dili that the arrival of boat people had anything to do with the current political situation. "Don't be easily influenced by misleading issues," he said. (edt)