Golkar supporters drown in boat mishap

UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): Ten residents of Selayar Island drowned yesterday when a motorized boat ferrying them home from a Golkar rally on Pasi Palampuang Island capsized in the Selayar Strait.

Thirty-five people, including the skipper Dg. Maela, were saved by a rescue boat, but about half a dozen others are missing.

Survivors said the Harapan Jaya capsized in heavy rain and strong winds several hours after leaving Pasi.

Among the dead were Bungaya village chief Andi Achmad and his wife Sitti Raja.

Subarman of the Ministry of Transportation's provincial office said the boat had capsized because it was overloaded. The boat's capacity was 25 people.

Golkar Selayar branch functionary, Hasanuddin Chaer, said he was saddened by the accident.

Regent HM Akib Patta and the local police chief met the survivors after they were brought ashore.

A rescue helicopter from Ujungpandang has been dispatched to search for the missing people.

The supporters had spent Wednesday night in Pasi after the Golkar rally. They had sailed for home yesterday morning.

Some of the victims' bodies were found wearing Golkar yellow vests. (31/37)