The Jakarta Post, (12/12/2001 10:12:22 PM)
Two more Marines found dead in Ambon ship explosion
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Tension gripped restive Ambon on Wednesday as two more
Marines' bodies were found in the wreckage of the ship KM Kalifornia. It had caught
fire following a strong explosion on Tuesday morning, which killed at least seven
people and injured no less than 45 others.
Meanwhile, the body of a 10-year-old girl, Meilan Limaheluw, was also found floating
in Teluk Ambon Baguala (Ambon Bay) on Wednesday morning, bringing the death toll
to 10 in the tragic incident, which took place in the waters of Teluk Ambon Baguala,
offshore from Galala port on Tuesday.
The bodies of the two Marine were hardly recognizable as they had been severely
burned.
Spokesman of Maluku civil emergency administration Maj. Marthen L. Djari said on
Wednesday that the two casualties had been identified as Pvt. (Mar) Alfandi and Pvt.
(Mar) Wagimin.
"Their bodies were found resting on the ship's hull, which was made of wood," officer
Marthen said.
Ambon Navy Base chief Lt. Col. (Mar) Chaidir Patonorri further confirmed the
evacuation of Marine casualties, adding that his men were still looking for another
missing Marine in the incident, First. Sgt. Wajar Anglika.
Officer Anglika was the unit chief assigned to escort theloaded KM Kalifornia, which
was sailing from Banteng to Galala Port on that fateful Tuesday morning.
"The cause of the incident is still being investigated," officer Chaidir said.
"The Civil Emergency commander (Maluku Governor), Saleh Latuconsina, has also
ordered a full investigation into the group or person(s) who initiated the burning of the
DPRD Kota (mayoralty council) building in Ambon, which took place shortlyafter the
explosion on the KM Kalifornia," Chaidir added.
The police have established a forensic investigation team from South Sulawesi Police
to investigate the incident, directly supervised by Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen.
Farouk M. Saleh.
As of Wednesday the search-and-rescue team was continuing the search for more
victims and missing Marines, under the direct orders of Maluku Governor Saleh
Latuconsina.
The injured are now being treated at separate hospitals, including Dr. Haulussy
general hospital and Halong Naval Hospital.
Also on Wednesday, a bomb hoax was directed at the Ambon governor's office, as an
anonymous caller made a bomb threat that turned out to be a hoax. (49/edt)
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