A passenger boat sank off the coast of Selayar, a small island south of Sulawesi, Indonesia, resulting in one confirmed death and 24 individuals still missing, according to the local search and rescue agency. The vessel, which encountered engine failure, was carrying more passengers than listed on its manifest.
Incident Details
The boat sank due to engine failure as it sailed near Selayar. The skipper called local authorities for evacuation after the crew was unable to repair the engine. Rescuers arrived to find the boat partially sunken.
Rescue Efforts
Forty-nine people were rescued, while one woman was found dead. An Indonesian Navy vessel has been deployed to assist with the ongoing search, which is expected to continue into the night.
Background
Marine accidents are common in Indonesia due to lax safety standards and inclement weather. In January, three Spanish tourists died when their boat sank off eastern Indonesia, with a 10-year-old boy still missing after the search was called off.
