Two missing in Sawu Sea

MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): Two fishermen from Lamaole village, Solor Island, East Flores, were reported missing in the Sawu Sea after being caught in a fierce storm on Wednesday.

The fishermen, identified as Josef Keban, 31, and Titus Jagong Herin, 34, were last seen heading out to sea on Wednesday in their boat.

Residents have gone out in their fishing boats to search for the pair and have also combed the surrounding beaches, but have found nothing.

"We hope the Navy can help find them dead or alive," one of the men's relatives, Yohanes Keban, told The Jakarta Post here on Monday.

Police have received an official report of their disappearance but have been unable to launch a search due to the storm which has pounded the area for the past few days. (yac/jun)