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)