(Indonesia, 15th) — A shipwreck occurred in the waters off Southeast Sulawesi Province, Indonesia. A passenger boat carrying 20 people sank after its hull broke and water entered, but fortunately, all were rescued and there were no casualties.
According to Indonesian media reports, the local motorized passenger boat “Cahaya Intan Selebes” (KM Cahaya Intan Selebes, GT 44) sank on Saturday morning (Feb 14) in the waters off Poleang, Bombana Regency, Southeast Sulawesi (Sulawesi Tenggara).
According to Wahyudi, spokesperson of Kendari Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas Kendari), the boat had departed from Bajoe Port in Bone Bay, South Sulawesi (Sulawesi Selatan), and was originally bound for Boepinang Port in Poleang District, Bombana Regency.
“The vessel suffered a hull breach while sailing, causing water ingress and eventually sank,” he said.
He stated that shortly after the accident, a fishing boat passing through the area quickly carried out a rescue operation, bringing all 20 crew and passengers aboard to safety. They were left floating at sea for a time but were rescued in time.
Wahyudi noted that according to the passenger manifest, the vessel had 13 passengers and 7 crew members, for a total of 20 people, all safe and none lost.
He said the rescue unit immediately conducted an interdepartmental coordinated action upon receiving notification from the water police, to ensure the safety of all individuals.
Authorities confirmed that there were no fatalities caused by the accident.