Four missing after boat capsizes on river

INDRAMAYU, West Java: Four people are missing after a boat carrying eight people capsized on swollen Cimanuk River in Indramayu regency, West Java, eye witnesses said on Tuesday.

Four of the victims survived the mishap, but the whereabouts of the four others, including the boat's captain and his assistant, were still missing on Tuesday.

The motorless boat, used to ferry people across the river at Lamarantarung village in Cantigi subdistrict, capsized on Monday after getting caught up with a wire connecting the riverbanks.

"The captain failed to control his boat during the accident. It suddenly capsized and its passengers fell into the water," said Maman, a local resident.

The current in the river was extremely strong following heavy rains on Monday.

The four survivors, including two toddlers, were rescued by villagers.

A search and rescue team from Indramayu Police are conducting a search for the four missing passengers.--JP