Published by The Jakarta Post Friday Edition, November 03, 2006
Eleven people drowned Wednesday evening when a fishing boat carrying 21 passengers capsized in the waters of Karang Nangka, off Sumenep regency, Madura, an official said Thursday.
The tragedy occurred when the group left Raas island to visit the graves of relatives on neighboring Sapudi island, before continuing on to Bali where they work, Sumenep Water and Air Police chief Adj. Comr. Hariyanto said.
The 21 people leased a fishing boat that only had a capacity of 15, and the load was made even heavier because the boat was also carrying two motorbikes and other goods, Hariyanto said.
Fishermen from Raas and Sapudi islands picked up the survivors and the bodies of the dead, he said. The officer added that nine of the victims had already been buried on Sepudi island and the other two on Raas.
At the start of the journey, the boat almost overturned after being hit by large waves, but the captain managed to maintain control. "However, when the boat reached a distance of five to 10 miles from Sepudi island, it capsized, forcing the passengers into the sea," Hariyanto said.
Fishermen on a nearby boat managed to rescue 10 passengers, but were unable to save the other 11, he said.
Hariyanto added that the fishermen also rescued the owner of the capsized boat.
"The boat owner, identified as Rudi, 38, and his unidentified assistant are being detained at Sapudi Police station for questioning," Sumenep Police spokesman Adj. Comr. Muallimin said, as quoted by Antara.
According to some reports, the boat owner initially refused to take on so many passengers, but eventually relented in the face of their demands.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment