The Jakarta Post, September 12, 2006
One dead as boat sinks off Seram
AMBON, Maluku: A boat carrying 24 people from West Seram regency to Hitu Port
on Ambon island sank off Seram island, leaving one person dead and two others
missing, an official said Monday.
The boat sank in high seas and strong winds. Authorities identified the deceased as
Sri Bugis. The boat's captain, Ade Man, and his assistant Ridwan are still missing,
said Leihitu Police chief First Insp. Umar Sahupala.
The remaining passengers were rescued by the vessel Asia Star, which passed by
the scene of the accident at 3 p.m. local time, or five hours after the incident, the
officer said.
"It is possible that high waves caused the boat to sink," Sahupala said. He added that
most of the passengers were able to swim to nearby fishing platforms.
Sahupala said the survivors were transported to Hitu Port, where they reported the
accident to police. -- JP
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