Three dead, 12 lost in boat accident

INDONESIA: Rescuers are searching for 12 missing passengers after a boat carrying 35 people capsized in stormy weather in the waters off North Maluku, leaving three people dead, a port official said on Saturday.

A pregnant woman was among those who died when the Cantika sank early this week 50 kilometers west of Taliabu Port in North Maluku province, said Abraham Lestusa, a port official in Ambon, the former provincial capital.

He said 20 passengers had been rescued and rescuers were still searching for 12 missing passengers, although they were feared dead.

The ship, loaded with heavy equipment, including seven tractors and tons of diesel oil, was heading to Toli-Toli in neighboring Central Sulawesi province. -- AP