Chinese stranded in East Timor

DILI, East Timor: A boat with 30 Chinese on board bound for Australia was stranded in Dili, East Timor last week, after it ran out of fuel.

The Antara news agency said that a wooden boat carrying 30 Chinese beached in Dili late on Monday. The boat's captain, identified as Fang Cheng, said that they had left a port in south China on April 28 and were bound for Australia, but had ran out of fuel.

Fang also said the boat's engine had some problems.

Antara quoted an officer from the Dili navy base as saying that the boat will be provided with fuel and food, but will have to leave Indonesian waters.

The stranded boat was forced to land in Bali and in the East Timorese western district of Ambeno earlier this month because of engine troubles and fuel needs, the agency said.

A boat carrying 23 ethnic Chinese bound for New Zealand was stranded in Metinaro, near Dili, on May 21. They were also told to leave after their engine was repaired and fuel and food were provided. (swe)