Tugboat carrying PTBA?s coal pirated, at least two crews dead

A tugboat carrying a barge loaded with coal bound to Suralaya power plant was pirated in Bangka Channel Sunday night.

Global Semesta 1 tugboat was carrying 7,200 tons of coal belonged to PT. Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam (PTBA) from Kertapati coal port in South Sumatra.

PTBA corporate secretary Milawarma told Petromindo.Com Tuesday that the barge was discovered the following day, but the tugboat is still missing. ?The pirates took the tugboat but left the barge with the coal unaffected,? he said.

Milawarma said six boat crews were still missing.

Tempo Interaktif reported Tuesday the pirates tied the boat?s 10 crews and threw them to the sea. The website reported that thus far two crews were found dead and one in critical condition. (godang)