Search called off for wreckage of American-owned boat in Manggarai

Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post,

Kupang The West Manggarai Police and the Navy decided Monday to stop their sea-search for the American-owned Charisma which sank a week ago off Tanjung Nusa waters near Rinca Island in West Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara.

West Manggarai Police chief Comr. Butje Helo said the decision to stop the search was made because of a limited access to equipment and under approval from the boat's owner Elbert Estelle Ford, 63, and his wife Sonia Ann Ford, 61.

"We tried to search for the boat where it was capsized, but we failed due to high tides," Butje said.

Charisma was hit by tides and capsized during its journey from Australia to Singapore last week.

The Fords were saved by the Navy with help from local police officers after their SOS signal was detected via satellite.

Ombak Biru

With regard to a further boat accident last week, Butje said he wanted to re-address a reported fatality associated with Ombak Biru vessel last week.

Ombak Biru

He said Yoppi Septianto, 21, who was crew aboard Ombak Biru was not killed when the boat was hit by tides, as reported. "After being checked, the tide was not so big when the boat berthed near Labuanbajo port," Butje said.

"But Yoppi allegedly jumped into the sea to swim ashore after he saw the boat was shaken by the tide.

"He swan for approximately 20 meters but unfortunately was drowned," Butje said. Guido Brink, managing director of PT Ombak Biru said, "the tragic death of Yoppi was not due to the sinking of any vessel".

"The Ombak Biru returned safely to Benoa harbor in Bali on Monday at 6 a.m."