Death Toll From Boat Accident in Mahakam River Increases to 20

Samarinda, E Kalimantan (Antara) - The death toll from a boat accident in Mahakam River in East Kalimantan province rose to 20 after one more body was found early Tuesday. The body was found about 6 km from the scene at around 02.10 a.m. local time, head of the Samarinda port police Comr. Harun Purwoko said. "The body which is strongly believed to be that of one of the victims of sunken MV Karya Indah was found in the Pasar Pagi pier. With the finding of one more body, the death toll from the boat accident has increased to 20," he said. The motor boat was carrying more than 60 timber company workers when it sank in the river last Wednesday. Forty-one people were rescued. By Tuesday three people were still missing. "Until now, the search for the three missing people consisting of a man and two women is still ongoing," he said. Based on information from a number of eyewitnesses, the boat was carrying 68 people consisting of six from timber company PT Kalamur and 62 from the company's subcontractor. The boat sank about 50 meters from Loa Janan pier in Samarinda, capital of East Kalimantan province, last Wednesday at 06.15 p.m. local time. (*)