VP Kalla Receives Report from Governor

VIVAnews – According to a report received by Vice President Jusuf Kalla yesterday, 36 victims of the ill-fated ferry have been found. One victim has been reported dead while 35 others have safely returned to their family.

“I just received report from the Governor of West Sulawesi which said that so far, 36 victims have been discovered,” said Vice President Jusuf Kalla in Jakarta, Tuesday, Jan. 13

The government pledged to do its best to find other victims too. The rescue team currently consists of Indonesian Navy, Air Force, SAR, and civilians. “Insha Allah, we will find other victims too, in addition to the 36 passengers. Therefore the government asks everyone to truly assist (in the rescue),” said Kalla.  

Teratai Prima Ferry capsized on Sunday, 11 January 2009 at 04.00am local time, around Batutoro waters, 50 kilometers off Majene waters. The ferry went down after it got caught up in a strong typhoon. 

The data announced by Kalla last night is similar to those of Parepare Command Post. According to the ship manifest, the ferry carried 250 passengers.

Translated by: Edwin Solahuddin