12 dead in the tongkang tragedy

A boat carrying Indonesians back for Hari Raya sank 1.2 nautical miles from Port Klang today. Twelve passengers have been reported dead. Six crew members have been detained.

Marine police are patrolling the area to look for other victims. So far, they have rescued 137 survivors, of whom 43 are women, 89 men and five children.

So far, 19 survivors have been sent to the Klang Hospital. Remaining passengers are reported missing. Search and rescue will continue until 6pm today.

Authorities are still trying to ascertain the exact number of passengers and crew on board the boat.

The incident happened at Tanjung Buas-Buas about 7.30am.



It is believed the boat is involved in barter trade and may have tried to smuggle out Indonesians to allow them to celebrate Hari Raya back home.

(source : http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Tuesday/Frontpage/20080930103229/Article/index_html )