13 feared dead in fatal plane crash in Riau waters

Indonesian police have confirmed a police aircraft carrying 13 senior officers, including three pilots crashed in waters near Lingga regency, Riau Islands province in Sumatra.

Its Head of Public Relations Boy Rafli Amar, in a media statement here, said the Cassa aircraft departed from Pangkal Pinang at 9.24 am and was scheduled to land in Batam at 10.58 am.

He said when the aircraft did not land, police received reports that it has lost contact with the control centre.

"A search and rescue team has been despatched at the last point the aircraft was detected and found several objects believed to the plane's parts between Mensanak Island and Sebangka Island and Gentar Island in the Lingga regency waters," he said.

Police had also received information from the public who found part of the aircraft fuselage and several items belonging to the passengers, including police uniforms, caps and bags scattered at sea.

On board were three pilots, Budi Waluyo, Eka Barokah and Tonce while the 10 passengers were senior police officers known as Joko Sujarwo, Mustofa, Abdul Munir, Safran, Bripka Erwin, Andi, Rizal, Eri, Suwarno and Joko Sungatno.

So far all the victims have yet to be found and the SAR operation is still ongoing. -Bernama