At least 8 killed as boat sinks in central Indonesia

Rescuers have evacuated at least eight bodies after a speed boat with about 47 people on board capsized in waters off North Kalimantan province of central Indonesia on Tuesday, a senior official of rescue office said.

Rejeki Baru speed boat, heading to Tanjung Selor of Bulungan district, sank after sailing 1 km off the coast of Pelabuhan Tengkayu of Tarakan town, spokesman of the national search and rescue office Marsudi said.

Search and rescue operation for those missing continues, involving personnel from local search and rescue office, navy personnel and water policemen, he said.

Several people have also been rescued safely, but the spokesman did not give further details.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)