President Presses For Investigation Of Sunken Ferry Boat

New York (Antara Bali) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked for an investigation of the sinking of Bahuga Jaya ferry boat in Sunda Strait on Wednesday that left seven people dead.

"I want it investigated. According to a report I have received, a Singapore-registered ship rammed into the ferry boat," he told a press conference held just prior to leaving for Jakarta on Friday.

Quoting a report from Transportation Minister E.E. Mangindaan, the President said seven of the hundreds of passengers aboard the ferry boat could not be rescued.

"I asked him why they couldn't be rescued. According to the preliminary result of the investigation, the passengers who survived the accident used life belts and followed directives. Maybe they panicked and could not be rescued," he said.

He added that the families of passengers who were killed in the accident, as well as passengers who lost their cars, have received insurance payments. "I want the law upheld and compensation given to those entitled to it. Every problem must be resolved as fairly as possible," he said.

The KM Bahuga Jaya ferry boat sank a few miles off Bakauheni port in Lampung province early on Wednesday after colliding with Norgas Cathinka, a liquefied petroleum gas and chemical carrier operated by Norwegian shipping company I.M. Skaugen SE.

Apart from carrying hundreds of passengers, the boat also was transporting 10 motorcycles, 22 private cars, 17 minibuses, 11 pickup trucks, and 18 trucks.(*/M038/T007)