Palu, Indonesia — Rescue teams in Indonesia successfully saved 21 people who were found drifting on a raft after their vessel sank in turbulent waters, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.
The survivors were located approximately 46 kilometers off the northern coast of Taliabu Island, after spending nearly a day at sea following the accident. According to local search and rescue officials, all individuals on board have been accounted for, correcting earlier reports that suggested 27 people were missing.
Muhammad Rizal, head of the search and rescue office in Palu, stated that six individuals initially listed on the boat’s manifest had canceled their سفر prior to departure, reducing the total number of الأشخاص onboard.
The vessel, identified as Nazila 05, departed from Taliabu Island in North Maluku province on Sunday evening, heading toward Kema in North Sulawesi. Commonly used for both fishing and transporting tourists, the boat encountered severe weather conditions during the رحلة.
Authorities said the حادث occurred when powerful waves damaged the front section of the boat, ultimately causing it to sink. The captain reportedly alerted the owner before the vessel went down. Crew members and passengers managed to evacuate onto a smaller boat and later secured themselves to a raft while awaiting rescue.
Search operations began early Tuesday morning, led by Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas). The mission involved multiple rescue vessels and was supported by local fishermen who assisted in locating the stranded survivors in rough seas.
“All survivors have been found and will be transported to Gorontalo for medical checks and further assistance,” Rizal confirmed in an official statement.
Indonesia, an archipelago comprising more than 17,000 islands, heavily relies on maritime transport. However, safety concerns persist due to inconsistent enforcement of regulations and frequent overcrowding, contributing to recurring marine accidents across the region.
Authorities have not reported any serious injuries, and an investigation into the incident is expected to follow.
