Navy personnel free hostages at sea

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Personnel at the Indonesian Navy in Tanjung Balai, North Sumatra, were engaged in an armed contact with unidentified persons on Wednesday in waters near Berhala island in North Sumatra, while trying to free dozens of hostages.

In the gunfight, a navy soldier Second Pvt. Atmoko was reported to have been seriously wounded in the legs by shrapnel. But the navy successfully freed the hostages along with three vessels and detained five of the perpetrators.

Sgt. Maj. Thomas said on Thursday the armed contact occurred, when two warships, KRI Sibarau and KRI Teluk Sibolga were encountering three boats near Berhala island which were heading to Aceh. There were 32 hostages and assailants on board KM Camar, while other unknown assailants were suspected to have been on board the other two boats.

When the warships tried to approach KM Camar, all of a sudden the ships were showered with gunshots by the assailants.

Thomas explained that the warships immediately chased the three boats and sank one of the vessels, while another one was abandoned by the assailants.

The warships could hold KM Camar and freed the hostages.

Cases of fishermen being abducted by unknown people has lately been rampant in North Sumatra waters.

Last week, four crew members from the Musim Mas shipping company were taken hostage for a month by the assailants. -- JP