Two drown in boat accident

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Two girls drowned when a ship sank in Muna Strait on Monday afternoon, with a search under way for three other passengers.

Local police chief Lt. Col. Sumaryoto said here on Tuesday that the boat was packed with about 27 Idul Fitri holidaymakers when it left Kolono, Kendari. It capsized due to strong wind and waves.

The boat was bound for South Wakarumba.

Antara reported that the two victims were aged three and 18- years-old. Three people are still missing -- the ship's captain, a 12-year-old boy and an adult woman.

Sumaryoto said that the names of the two deceased and three missing passengers were still not known.

Survivors said the boat was not equipped with life jackets.