Fishermen warned of rough seas

CILACAP, C. Java: The Cilacap Meteorology Station has warned fishermen and tourists to watch out for high waves and strong winds on the Java Sea, particularly off the Central Java coast.

Station researcher Teguh Wardoyo said Saturday waves could reach 4 meters, while wind speeds could reach 50 kilometers per hour.

"Until next week, sailing in the area remains unsafe," Teguh said.

"Tourists on holiday should avoid swimming in the area."

Besides the high waves, Teguh warned, the winds could trigger a storm that could endanger fishermen.

"The conditions are caused by a low-pressure front from the Indian Ocean in the western part of Australia," he said.

Atas Munandar, chairman of the Indonesian Fishermen's Association's Cilacap branch, said the association had warned its members to temporarily stop going out to sea, due to high waves and strong winds.

"Last year, 41 fishermen died due to high seas," he told The Jakarta Post.

"So far this year, 10 fishermen have died in high seas. We have warned them." -JP