Antara News, Friday, December 31, 2010
Baubau, Southeast Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - A Hong Kong cargo ship, Janwan, ran aground in Batu Atas waters, Buton district, Southeast Sulawesi after hitting coral reef, Robertus Maturbongs, the Head of Baubau Seaport, said here Friday.
Robertus said the ship stranded because of high waves in the last couple weeks, and rescue efforts were hampered by huge waves.
"Singapore rescue team, Baubau seaport personnel, local Search and Rescue team (SAR), the police and naval personnel have evacuated 23 people from the ill-fated ship," he said here Friday.
He said, Friday, the ship was not leaking, however further check would be conducted to find out whether it could continue its trip or not.
The sterm of the 189 meters long and 3000 tons ship was raised some meters, he added.
"The ship ran aground at around 8 pm, while sailing from Tanjung Buli Halmahera to Balikpapan, East Kalimantan," he said.
Technical errors and faulty navigation as well as human error may have been the causes of the accident, and the rough weather made it difficult for the rescue team to move the ship to safety, Robertus said.
"The ship will be towed by several other vessels from Singapore," he said.
