Police halt search for bodies

AMBON, Maluku: Elat Police in Southeast Maluku halted Saturday its search for five missing passengers of KM Diamond Star which sunk Aug. 9, Antara reported.

Two died -- one identified as Anthonius Yeuyana while another was unidentified -- when the overloaded boat serving the Tual- Elat rout sank in a storm.

Those still missing have been identified as Alex Leisomar, Fahmi Fata, Saleh Morseil, Helena Yeuyunan and Fita Yeuyanan.

Boat captain Mansyur Lubis and his three crew members are still being detained by the Southeast Maluku Police in Tual for questioning.

The 80-passenger boat was reportedly carrying some 215 passengers, police said. (aan)