Freighter capsizes, all passengers survive

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Fri, 10/26/2007 4:26 PM

Hasrul, The Jakarta Post, Kendari

A small inter-island freighter carrying 40 passengers sank in waters off South Konawe regency, Southeast Sulawesi, on Thursday, less than a week after the KM Acita III ferry capsized in the same province, killing 31 passengers.

The wooden vessel, KM Sarliana Indah, capsized at around 5.30 a.m. off Hari Island in Laonti district, South Konawe regency.

No casualties were reported in the accident. Passing fishing boats were able to pick up 31 passengers, while 10 others were rescued by the local search and rescue team and the Navy.

The boat was found listing and a large section of its hull was underwater, while passengers clung the ship's bridge.

Rescuers tossed life buoys to survivors and towed them to the awaiting naval vessel.

The boat was on its way from Laonti district to Kendari city, at around 2:00 a.m.

""Before it sank, it hit coral reefs near the island,"" said the skipper, Sabola, 51.

It listed to the right and eventually rolled over and sank. Fortunately, a number of fishing boats were passing by and were able to assist the passengers.

A survivor, Sulmin, 23, said he was asleep when the accident happened, but was woken by a sudden loud bang. Still in a state of shock, Sulmin was startled when the ship listed sharply to the right. ""When water rushed in, I could only pray for safety,"" said Sulmin.

Sulmin, a civil servant at the Laonti district office, did not lose hope. He used his mobile phone to call a friend working at the Kendari SAR, but he could not be contacted because he was still on duty in Baubau salvaging the KM Acita III.

He then tried to contact the Navy and water police unit. ""Fortunately, I was connected to them and the rescue team finally arrived,"" said Sulmin, adding he kissed his cell phone several times and cried as help arrived.

Skipper of the KRI Bokori naval boat Second Lieut. Sarjandi, said they had rescued passengers, the skipper and a crew member.

""We brought the survivors to Kendari,"" said Sarjandi, adding the skipper and crew members of KM Sarliana Indah have been held for further questioning.

The other survivors, who were rescued by fishing boats, were taken to Laonti district.

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