DENPASAR ~ The cause of the wrecking of a Taiwanese fishing boat off Labuhan Sait Beach, Pecatu, at the weekend is being investigated by the Bali Coastguard, a police official said.

Coastguard chief Oka Eswara said the ship, Hotsaifa 18, had 11 foreign crewmembers including the captain, Charmani, as well as 10 Indonesian crew.

“We are still looking for the crew, as of today we haven’t found them yet,” said Eswara.

The identification of the ship and crew has been confirmed by the Taiwanese Embassy in Jakarta for the East Java Coastguard, who are still investigating the incident.

East Java Coastguard chief Sutrisna said if suspicions that the ship was attacked by pirates proved to be true, they would coordinate an investigation with Bali Police.

He added that, if the shipwreck was caused by bad weather conditions, it would only be necessary to continue to coordinate with Bali Coastguard.