Three farmers drown at sea

TANGERANG (JP): Three farmers drowned and one went missing while they were catching rajungan (small crabs) along the Tanjung Anom coast over the weekend, eyewitnesses and police said.

The incident happened Friday afternoon when huge waves unexpectedly washed the victims, aged between 22 and 26, into the sea, eyewitnesses said.

Tangerang police chief Lt. Col. Aryanto Boediharjo said Sunday the men's bodies were found Saturday floating in the general area while the other one remained missing.

"The incident happened very quickly and the dozens of people catching crabs at the edge of the water could hear the victims scream for help but couldn't do anything," a witness said.

Catching the small crabs has become an alternative source of livelihood for many farmers in the area who have to bear the brunt of the economic crisis.

Each kilo of crabs sells for Rp 5,000. (41/pan)