Priest killed in speedboat attack

AMBON, Maluku: A priest was killed and three other people were injured while on their way to Gudang Arang Port from Galala in Ambon when gunmen on two speedboats attacked their fishing ship Anda V on Saturday.

Witnesses aboard the ship said Rev. Ridolf Bernard, 50, was shot in his legs and arms. He was rushed to Halong Navy Hospital in Ambon, a kilometer away from the site of the incident, but eventually died from severe bleeding.

Ridolf was a priest at the Perjanjian Baru Christian Church.

The speedboats, apparently coming from the Batu Merah waters, opened fire on the ship which was carrying 20 passengers.

"The attackers used automatic guns and fired at us from close range," said Andy Hehanusa, one of the surviving passengers.

A bomb exploded and a mass attack also took place on Saturday and Sunday in predominantly Christian Pohon Pule and Tugu Trikora in Central Ambon. (48/49/edt)