Ferry with 197 people sinks in E. Kalimantan

From The Jakarta Post, Balikpapan, Saturday February 07 2015

Bad weather reportedly sank a ferry carrying 197 passengers in the Sulawesi Sea, off East Kalimantan, on Friday.

News of the sinking has circulated, but the exact location remains unclear.

“According to reports, a ferry sank, but there is no information on its exact location. It seems as though it did not sink in Berau,” said resident Necolsen from Redeb, Berau.

One report said the KM Taruna Makmur ferry likely sank in Tanjung Santan, Bontang, while another report said it sank in East Kutai.

East Kutai Regency Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Edgar Diponegoro said he could neither provide information on the location of the sunken vessel nor the fate of the crewmembers and passengers.

“It’s not in my jurisdiction. We will offer information if the boat indeed sank in East Kutai waters,” he said.



*