Navy repairs Chinese vessel

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)