- AP Photo/Tom Stathis
VIVAnews - Indonesian passenger ship Balibo sank after it ran into a gale on Pukuafu Strait, East Nusa Tenggara, following tropical cyclone Carlos. The ship carried 33 passengers, 27 six-wheel and two-wheel autos.
The ship was hit by sea waves of more than three meters in height. No life was claimed during the incident.
Spokesperson of Kupang transportation authority, Arnol Yansen, said today that the ship was plummeted into the sea on Bui Merah waters. "All passengers are rescued. The ship sank in Wednesday evening and cannot be evacuated yet due to bad weather," said Arnol.
Arnol said huge waves and strong wind were formed in minutes, dragging the ship about several miles into the sea. "It finally knocked rock formations on the shore," said Arnol.
A passenger told VIVAnews that the cyclone was really terrifying. "Dark clouds brought heavy rains and strong wind to us. The sea waves were huge causing the ship to be diverted from its initial course, which led to Pantai Baru Rote Harbor," said Nuel Ndolu, the passenger.
Head of Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency of Kupang, Purwanto, warned people about the Carlos Cyclone, which still circulates around East Nusa Tenggara. "The cyclone is likely to still circulate around the waters between the next four and five days," he said.
"The sea waves may rise in heights within the coming few days," he said.
The Carlos Cyclone also damaged scores of houses in West Alok Subdistrict, Sikka Regency, and Sulamu Subdistrict, Kupang Regency. Most of the houses were buried under the sand.
"First off, we heard rumble was approaching. Few minutes after, sea waves came and forced people to flee their homes," said Sry Yuniati, a refugee.
Around 500 refugees are still inhabiting temporary camps.
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Coverage by: Jemris Fointuna | Kupang
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