Jakarta (ANTARA News) - A US C7 Globemaster was to fly three Indonesians who suffered burns after their South Korean fishing ship caught fire in the Ross waters to New Zealand for treatment, the Indonesian ambassador to New Zealand said.

"The three Indonesian citizens are to be flown tonight at around 8.45pm local time," Ambassador Agus Priyono told ANTARA here by phone on Friday.

The South Korean fishing ship Jeong Woo 2 caught fire in the Ross waters, 3,704 kilometers southeast of New Zealand, on Wednesday morning (January 11).

The three Indonesian citizens who suffered burns are Jant Je Sopacua, Sutrisno and Domssi Sitaniapessy. Jant Je Sopacua has the most serious conditions with burns covering 50 to 60 percent of his body while the two others suffered burns on 30 percent of their bodies.

Agus said Jant suffered serious conditions because he was the last person on the deck to jump while his three fellows from Vietnam all died in the fire.

"According to plans they will be treated at Christchurch Hospital. Embassy staff would see them in the morning to check their condition," he said.

Besides checking their condition the embassy staff would also meet with the ship`s agents to discuss their rights.

"The Indonesian embassy has asked the ship`s agent to pay for the cost of their treatment and after they have recovered pay for their tickets home," he said.

The other four Indonesian crew members namely Hartoyo, Ferilando Alfonso, Maryanto and Victor Sopacua would reach New Zealand seven days later by Jeong Woo 3 boat.

"The Indonesian embassy keeps coordinating with the security authorities in New Zealand," he said.

Seven of the 40 crew members of Jeong Woo 2 are Indonesian citizens and they have all been evacuated. All of the crew members who survived the incident are currently being treated at the US research ship Nathanie B Palmer. Three crew died in the incident.

Agus meanwhile also said the embassy would likely return the seven Indonesian crew members home later after being treated in New Zealand.

"Perhaps they will be sent home first to recover from their ordeal," he said.
(T.I025/H-YH/HAJM/A014)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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