Two fishermen killed at sea

JEMBER, East Java: Two fishermen were killed, six are missing and 19 are thought to have survived an accident involving seven boats off Puger beach early Monday.

The bodies of the dead fishermen, 30-year-old Nurhadi and another who is yet to be identified, were found floating near the beach on Tuesday.

Until yesterday morning, rescue workers were still searching for the missing victims, whose boats were hit by a storm.

The loss of the boats is estimated to be worth Rp 88 million (approximately US$ 40,000).

The accident is the second in this year's fishing season in Jember. In the first accident in June, two fishermen from Probolinggo regency were killed.

Accidents are known to occur annually here, Antara reported.

Since June fishermen have shifted their operations to a safer area at Papuma beach, seven kilometers east of the Puger beach, which is now temporarily closed. (anr)