At least 21 people were killed, and more than 250 others are still missing after a loaded motor boat sank off the Indonesian province of North Sulawesi Thursday, local newspapers reported Friday.  

The Beringin boat was smashed by windstorm and giant waves on the Salibabu Strait, some 1,600 km northeast of Jakarta and close to maritime border with the Philippines.

Most of the victims were supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) who were on the way to a wedding ceremony of a local councilor representing the ruling party, reported Media Indonesia newspaper.

Meanwhile, Kompas said over 40 people were aboard the tiny board and local residents said 10 people were still missing.

(Xinhua News Agency March 19, 2004)