Speedboats crash in Maluku

AMBON, Maluku: Two speedboats collided off the Batu Merah and Rumah Tiga waters in Teluk Ambon on Thursday morning, leaving five people severely injured.

One of the boats was leaving Batu Merah and the other was on its way to Galala village when the accident took place at about 10:30 a.m.

Some 15 people were on board the boats, according to a hospital staff member. Those injured were sitting at the front of the boats when they collided.

Since the troubles erupted in Maluku last year, people have chosen to travel by boat due to security reasons.

The skipper of one of the boats, Johny Diaz, said his boat was hit by another that was speeding around for a while before deliberately crashing into his vessel. (49/edt)