Haze causes boat collision

PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Thick haze from forest fires caused a ferry and two boats to collide in the Kapuas River last week, a press report said yesterday.

There were no casualties in the accident although two tug boats did sink, Antara said quoting the Pontianak port officer Molder Mustafa.

The 1,700 ton ferry KM Sitiung from state shipping company, PT Pelni, was only slightly dented and the eight people aboard were all rescued, Mustafa said.

The accident happened on Thursday when KM Sitiung entered the port and the two boats carrying 1,500 cubic meters of logs collided in the thick haze which blanketed the town for several days. (pan)