Japanese tourist presumed dead

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: A Japanese tourist and his local porter believed to have drowned in the Baliem River last month were officially declared missing yesterday after rescue workers discontinued their search for the bodies.

Head of the Jayawijaya Tourist Agency, Edy Tambayong, said that Shinichiro Minamide, 20, and the porter, Eligius Asso, 21, fell into the river on Sept.14 when the old suspension bridge they were crossing collapsed.

Minamide's sister, Koji Minamide, 18, was with them when the accident occurred, but survived after falling on to the river banks.

Tambayong said that his office and the local administration had erected a monument in remembrance of the victims, Antara reported. (sim)