SIX FOREIGN WARSHIPS ARRIVE IN BITUNG, INDONESIA

Manado, N Sulawesi, Indonesia, Aug 12 (ANTARA) - A total of six warships from a number of countries have arrived at Bitung port, North Sulawesi to take part in the Sail Bunaken contest to be held on August 12 - 20, 2009, a regional government spokesman said.

"At present six warships from four countries have anchored at Bitung port. They will take part in the Sail Bunaken contest," Bitung city spokesman Erwin Kountu said here on Wednesday.

Of the six warships, two from Thailand (Phuttaoetia Naphalai FF 461 - Rattanakosin FS 441), two from Malaysia (KD Kedah 171 and KD Tunas Samudera), one from the Philippines (Manuel L Quezon PS 70) and one from Britain (HMS Echo H87).

Kountu said that the Sail Bunaken activities would be participated in by 28 warships from 14 countries and a number of Indonesian warships.

About 19 Indonesian warships have berthed at Bitung port, among others KRI Sultan Iskandar Muda, KRI Surabaya, KRI Fatahilah, KRI Arung Samudera and KRI Patola.

Besides, a total of 55 yachts have also arrived at Bitung's fishery port to take part in the Sail Bunaken festival.

"It is expected that about 163 yachts from various countries will take part in the Sail Bunaken activities," the regional government spokesman said.