Find Suspects, Police Examine 8 Witnesses In Sinking Boat Case In Kedung Ombo Boyolali

Police Chief Boyolali AKBP Morry Ermond (ANTARA)

BOYOLALI - The Criminal Investigation Unit Boyolali Police examined eight witnesses related to the case of the sinking boat water accident that swallowed 9 victims killed in Kedung Ombo Reservoir, Dukuh Bulu, Wonoharjo Village, Kemusu District, Boyolali Regency, Central Java.

Eight witnesses who were asked for clarification, including the boat helmsman (skipper), the manager of floating stalls, the management of Taruna reefs, several Wonoharjo Village government devices, and the Balai Besar Sungai Region, said Police Chief Boyolali AKBP Morry Ermond was quoted as saying by Antara, Monday, May 17.

The police chief said a joint SAR team on Monday morning had just finished an emergency response to the search for the missing victims. It at noon then held an internal case to determine the suspect and continued the follow-up plan (RTL) investigators.

"We will hold this case on Tuesday, May 18 by inviting the Correctional Center, Social Services, helmsman, or skipper of the boat and his family to be refilled", said the Police Chief.

The police chief explained the possibility the suspect could be more than one. Meanwhile, the Women and Children Protection Unit (PPA) of Boyolali Police has also dropped awaited the results.

"I try if it has been raised to the status of an investigation can determine the suspect, the number is how much-awaited", said the Police Chief.

The police chief said the initially suspected sinking of the boat was suspected to be due to overload. Because, the boat had a maximum capacity of 14 passengers, but filled 20 people.

At the time of the incident, several passengers tried to take a selfie at the front of the boat, so the balance of the boat was disturbed and swerved to the right then the boat overturned until it sank.

"This is what caused the boat to sink. The boat's passengers, not wearing life vests. So two things are violated, namely health protocols and safety protocols", said the Police Chief.

Violators of the health protocol are supposed to fill about 50 percent of the capacity of the boat thus keeping a distance, and both violate safety.

This means that the boat driver should be started by someone who has competence, and there is no safety equipment for passengers such as buoys.