Indonesian boat capsizes and leaves eight dead

A speedboat carrying 51 people capsized off Indonesia’s part of Borneo island yesterday, killing at least eight on board.

The accident happened when the boat, called the Anugrah Express, was travelling from Tanjung Selor, the capital of North Kalimantan province, to nearby Tarakan.

Manangap Djumala, a search and rescue official in Tarakan, said that in addition to the deaths, several other people were believed to be missing. Unconfirmed reports said 40 people were rescued.

The boat’s manifest said there were 48 passengers, including five children, and three crew members on board.

Police are investigating the cause of the accident. Boat accidents are common in Indonesia because of poorly enforced safety regulations..