KUPANG ~ A cargo ship sank in rough seas in eastern Indonesia, killing three people and leaving five missing, while the turbulent waters also killed two swimmers, officials and witnesses said this week.

The KM Surya Jaya sank after leaving Flores bound for South Sulawesi on Sunday with 15 crew on board, said Joseph Lagadoni Herin, a government official from the island.

“Three people were found dead and seven survivors have been evacuated to shore,” Herin said, adding that a search was still underway for the five missing crew.

Meanwhile waves swept holidaymakers off one of the island’s beaches late on Sunday, policeman Syamsul said.

“A huge wave came in suddenly while people were swimming at the beach. I heard people screaming for help but another policeman and I were dragged into the sea as well,” he said.

He said he and his friend were saved but that the incident killed two high-school students, as strong seas lashed islands right across Indonesia’s east.

The local meteorology office warned of waves as high as six meters and winds of up to 50 kilometers per hour.