Dozens missing in boat fire

Dozens missing in boat fire

SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: About 20 people were reported
missing as a boat carrying dozens of people from Tarakan to Tawao
in eastern Malaysia caught fire on Friday, police said Saturday.

The boat, KM Tidar, which allegedly was carrying illegal
workers, caught fire in the Tanjung Aus waters, near Nunukan
island, East Kalimantan.

Sgt. Maj. Marlan of the Tarakan military headquarters told
Antara that the accident happened at about 3 p.m., when one of
the two engines suddenly caught fire.

The fire caused panic among the passengers, whose exact number
is unknown, he said. Many plunged into the sea without
lifejackets but those who could swim were rescued by a passing
boat.

"The exact number of people that went missing and the cause of
the fire is still under investigation," Marlan said. (pan)