Navy repairs Chinese vessel

SURABAYA: The Navy has completed repairs on a Chinese vessel impounded last Wednesday when it was sailing illegally in local waters, but its 57 passengers reportedly want to remain in Indonesia.

Spokesman for the local naval base Lt. Col. Ditya Soedarsono was quoted by Antara on Monday as saying the Navy was ready to escort the vessel to international waters.

No legal processes for the passengers were needed because neither drugs nor contraband were found on them, Ditya said.

"The immigration office agreed with our suggestion to bypass the legal process and immediately repatriate them to their country," Ditya was quoted as saying. (byg)