Jakarta - At least 10 people were killed, 17 survived and an unspecific others were believed to be missing after a small boat capsized off Indonesia's main island of Java on Monday morning, officials said.

The accident took place at about 10:00 am (0300 GMT) when a small wooden boat packed with around 30 people overturned in the Java Sea off the northern coast of central Java district of Pemalang, about 300 kilometres east of Jakarta, police and health officials said.

"We have so far received 10 bodies and 17 survivors from the accident," said Vita, a nurse at Pemalang's M Ashari general hospital, who like many Indonesians goes only by one name. She said reports from the beach areas indicated that an unspecific number of others were still missing and feared drowned.

Rescue workers, comprising of navy police officers and fishermen were searching for possible more body or survivor.

Witnesses told the Jakarta-based Elshinta private radio that the accident occurred because the boat, which was only allowed to carry up to 10 people, was packed with around 30, including several children on an outing to mark the Islamic New Year.

The boat overturned after a huge wave hit at about 200 metres from the beach area, sending passengers into the rough seas. (dpa)