Rescue Team Expands Search Area to Bali

VIVAnews - The national rescue team expands the search area of wrecked immigrant ship eastward toward Bali and West Nusa Tenggara.

"The search will be extended to Bali and NTB," said the Head of Disaster Management National Information and Data Center, Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, Friday, December 23rd 2011. 

The vessel that contained the illegal Middle Eastern immigrants sank on December 17, 2011, carrying more than 200 immigrants heading to Christmas Island, Australia. The ship touched bottom after being hit by huge waves in Prigi. 

Until now, 49 survivors had been found on East Java waters.  90 victims were found dead.  Out of the 90 victims, 74 were found on East Java waters and 16 were found on Bali waters.   

Other than setting up SAR posts in Trenggalek, the rescue team has built another post in Jember, East Java. 

"The search effort will continue until December 24," he said.

Four TNI personnel have been questioned and detained.  They were believed to have involved in this tragic incident.