REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JEMBER -- Five crew members were found dead and seven others missing when a fishing boat sank in the sea off Plawangan Puger, district of Jember, East Java on Thursday. The Joko Berek boat with 21 crewmen and skipper Dirman was on its way back from the sea when it capsized after being hit by big waves that morning, police said.

Jember police chief Adj. Sr. Com Kusworo Wibowo said the accident took place not far from land in Plawangan Puger. Everyone of the crewmen struggled for own safety but some of then could not swim and were drown. Only nine of them managed to swim to safety.

Rescue team still was searching the sea for the seven fishermen still missing, Kusworo said.

The dead victims were identified as Cecep (45) from the village of Puger Kulon, Soim (50) from the village of Balung, Hasan (50) from the village of Balung, Hadi (21) from the village of Puger and Ulum (35) from the village of Puger.

The skipper Dirman and eight other crewmen survived the accident.

The seven still missing included Kowi (55) from the village of Puger Kulon, Munaji (45) from the village of Puger Kulon, Safik (65) from the village of Puger Kulon, Budi (47) from the village of Mojosari, Kosim, Sueb, and another whose identity was not yet known.

The authorities called on fishermen in a number of areas not to go to the sea risking the angry sea.

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