'KM Pangebu' survivor says ship exploded

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The only survivor of KM Pangebu, the vessel that sank in the Wowoni Strait in Southeast Sulawesi last week, revealed on Wednesday that the cargo ship foundered shortly after a blast was heard in one of its holds.

Capt. Budi Rahardjo, the commander of Kendari naval base, told Antara that the crew member, Sudarso, had told him the incident happened at 10 p.m. on Wednesday.

Budi said he was unable to obtain more information from Sudarso, who was found by locals on Saturday, as the latter was still in a weak condition.

Earlier, the news agency quoted Sudarso as saying that the ship, which had 22 crew, six maritime students and 3,000 tons of cement on board, was buffeted by big waves in the strait on Saturday.

As of Wednesday, 12 bodies had been found. Members of the Search and Rescue (SAR) team hold little hope that the other 15 people from the vessel are still alive. (01)