Passenger ship sinks off Pangkep

MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The KM Santini III vessel which was heading for Surabaya from Makassar sank in rough seas off Tanakeke in Pangkep, some 32 kilometers into its journey in the early hours of Saturday, an officer said.

All 120 passengers and crew on board were rescued by KRI Teluk Ende naval ship before being moved to vessel KM Selat Mas while their ship sank to the bottom of the sea, Makassar-based Navy Operational chief Col. Budi Rahardjo said later in the day.

"The incident took place around 1 a.m. local time when the vessel got caught in a sea storm," Budi said.

"We have called on ship owners with vessels of less than 30 tons in weight not to sail in bad weather," he added. All passengers and crew were sent home late on Saturday. (30/edt)