Japanese tourist presumed dead

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)