Three Dead, One Missing After Boat Capsizes Off Indonesia
At least three people have died and one remains missing after a longboat capsized in waters off Indonesia’s Maluku province on Tuesday afternoon, according to a local search and rescue official. The vessel was carrying ten individuals when it went down in the Watmasa waters of the Tanimbar Islands Regency.
Muhammad Arafah, head of the provincial Search and Rescue Office, stated the boat was struck by huge waves and strong winds while en route from Larat Harbor to Karatat village. “Three people died, six others survived, and one person is still missing,” Arafah told Xinhua by phone on Wednesday, .
A search and rescue operation was launched immediately following the incident, but has been significantly hampered by challenging weather conditions. Arafah did not specify the nature of the adverse weather, but indicated it was impacting the ongoing efforts to locate the missing passenger.
All six survivors have been successfully evacuated to Karatat village in Tanimbar Utara sub-district, where they are receiving assistance. The condition of the survivors has not been released, but their evacuation suggests they were brought ashore safely, despite the circumstances.
The incident highlights the risks associated with maritime travel in Indonesia, an archipelago nation comprised of thousands of islands. While Indonesia has taken steps to improve maritime safety, including sinking dozens of foreign ships engaged in illegal fishing – as reported by VOA – accidents involving smaller vessels remain a concern, particularly during the rainy season when sea conditions can deteriorate rapidly.
The search for the missing individual continues, with authorities working to overcome the weather-related obstacles. Further updates are expected as the search progresses and more information becomes available.
