President Orders Investigation of Larantka Accident

Jakarta (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has instructed the authorities to investigate Friday's boat accident in Larantuka, asking for sanctions to be handed out against those responsible, if negligence is found. "I ask that those suffering from injuries be given the best medical treatment that is possible. The accident must be investigated and those who were negligent must be punished," the President said on his twitter account on Saturday. The President noted that the accident befalling Catholic followers who were conducting a Good Friday procession in the sea was caused by bad weather and human negligence. The head of state expressed his condolences to the families of the victims. "We are saddened by the accident befalling the boat in Larantuka, where seven of our brothers were killed and four others are still missing," the president said. It was earlier reported that seven people were killed when a motor boat carrying a group from a congregation for a ritual procession in the sea on the Gonzalu Strait, East Flores, East Nusa Tenggara Province, had capsized. East Flores district Chief Yoseph Ladadoni announced on Friday that 46 passengers had been rescued from the capsized fishing boat in the Gonzalu strait, during the Good Friday commemoration sea parade. Of the 46 people, 29 remain in intensive care at Larantuka hospital, while 17 others have returned to their homes, Lagadoni stated here on Friday. The number of passengers is uncertain, as there is no data available from during the procession, but the number of pilgrims participating is being compiled by deputy district Chief Valens Tukan. "The pilgrims who were in the motor boat are known to have come from two villages in Lewolere. Data collection has been done before in determining other missing people from the accident," noted Lagadoni. He explained that the search for victims is still being carried out by the police, led by the East Flores police chief. (*)