Search continue for Digoel accident

JAYAPURA, Papua: A search and rescue (SAR) team continued its search on Monday for the bodies of those who died when the Digoel sank on July 7 off Merauke, Papua. As of Monday, a total of 67 bodies had been found, while 15 people had been rescued.

It is estimated that over 100 people are still missing.

According to the Merauke Social Affairs Agency, the Digoel was carrying 206 passengers when it sank.

The head of the Merauke search and rescue team, Supeno Yuwono, said that the search for bodies would continue for three more days. He said that most of the bodies could not be identified as they had already started to decompose.

The search and rescue team have deployed some 40 people to search for bodies, said Supeno. -- JP