Search efforts stopped in Surabaya

SURABAYA: The authorities called off yesterday the search for missing people in Tuesday's boat accident on Brantas River, Antara reported yesterday.

The news agency quoted Karangpilang police chief Capt. Sudoko as saying the search had been called off because there was uncertainty regarding the precise number of people involved in the accident.

"We have not received reports of missing people from family members so we cannot be sure if there are any missing victims," he said.

Fourteen people drowned after a dugout overturned in the middle of the Brantas River in the East Java capital city of Surabaya on Tuesday. Twenty people survived the incident, with 13 of them needing hospitalization.

Prasojo, an eyewitness whose child survived the accident, said on Tuesday the dugout, measuring six meters long and 2.5 meters wide, was carrying 60 to 80 passengers when it overturned.

"So far the death toll remains at 14. We are now awaiting developments after halting the search," Sudoko said.