Ferry capsizes, one missing

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Lim Nenabanu, a student in Kupang, western Timor, went missing yesterday when the Hasenda Baru ferry on which he and 60 other passengers were traveling capsized 30 nautical miles west of the provincial capital.

Antara reported that a local rescue team had been dispatched to search for the student. Spokesman Alex Dale said witnesses had described the crowded ferry as listing and, subsequently, overturning, after attempting to avoid a collision with a ship, the Dobonsolo, anchored in the Tenau seaport.

Crew of the warship Imam Bonjol, also docked at the port, immediately helped rescue the passengers, the agency reported.

All of the passengers of the ill-fated ferry were members of a local Protestant church who were on their way to attend a religious gathering on Semau Island.

Ferry owner Lexy Saudalle said the boat's engine and body were badly damaged in the accident. (rms)