Eight killed, two missing in boat accident off Kupang

Yemris Fointuna , The Jakarta Post , Kupang | Mon, 11/10/2008 9:40 AM | National

At least eight people died and two were missing when a passenger boat carrying 19 passengers capsized on Sunday night in the waters off Kupang, the capital of East Nusa Tenggara.

Kupang Police chief Adj. Snr. Comr. Marsudi Wahyono said a strong gale had caused the accident, but police had detained the boat's captain, Jeri Manlea, 26, for questioning.

Around 20 minutes after leaving Kupang, the boat (heading for Kera Island) was struck by large waves caused by strong winds, Jeri told police.

"The passengers panicked and ordered me to head back to Kupang. That was when the boat capsized," he said.

Kupang police are still searching for the missing passengers, Agung Budi Prayitno, 27, and Miranda.

The dead victims were identified as Titinawati, 48, Mariance, 26, Markus, 43, Fahrul, 45, Maurint, 2, Ernawati, 60, Kristian, 23, and Yohanis, 30. (dre)

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