Four missing in boat accident

Four missing in boat accident

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Four people are missing after a
speedboat carrying nine government and Unesco officials capsized
in rough seas on Thursday, an official said yesterday.

The boat was on its way from an island west of Flores to
Komodo Island park. It sank between Komodo Island and Siaba
Island, probably after being hit by a storm, chief of the local
transportation office J.M. Sitepu told Antara.

The five people who survived the accident are currently in
good health in Labuan Bajo, Western Flores, Sitepu said.

The official identified those missing as Professor Sudomo, an
expert staff member of the transportation ministry, I Putu
Ngurah, the Komodo police precinct chief, and two researchers
from the forestry ministry, Hartati and Suyati.

Sitepu said he has yet to identify the boat but unconfirmed
reports said it belonged to the Komodo park management.

It is believed the boat sank after being hit by high waves
because it was in "good" condition before setting sail. (pan)