JAKARTA: Indonesian rescue agencies are searching for nine missing crewmen of an Indonesian fishing ship that sank in the Indian Ocean, a senior rescuer said today.
Head of the Search and Rescue Office of Bali Province Gede Darmada said one crewman as confirmed dead and four were rescued when the ship, KM Linggar Petak 89, was hit by huge waves in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday.
"The ship capsized, and it was seen by another passing ship. The incident was reported to the local rescuers," Darmada told Xinhua via phone.
"We immediately conducted a search and rescue operation for the victims of the sunken ship after receiving the information," he said.
Four people were rescued safely, and one died, but nine others remained missing, Darmada said.
The search and rescue operation by personnel of the Bali office involved two ships. Poor weather conditions were hampering the search, he said.
"The waves are huge, and visibility is poor amid strong winds. All these hamper this operation," said Darmada. -- BERNAMA