Speed boat sinks in Ambon waters

AMBON, Maluku: A speedboat KM Mahu with 32 people on board sank in waters off Amahusu near the Maluku capital of Ambon on Sunday en route to Alang port from Tapal Kuda port, both on Ambon island, leaving one people missing.

An officer at Nusaniwe Police Subprecinct said the accident, which took place just half an hour after embarkment at about 3:30 p.m. local time, was caused by rough seas.

He said the vessel was allowed to carry a maximum 25 people.

"Fortunately local residents spotted the accident and 31 people were pulled out of the water by fishermen and passing speedboats," the officer said.

The search is continuing for the missing passenger, the officer added. (49/edt)