12 survivors found after speedboat sinks in Tomini Bay, captain still missing

Gorontalo (ANTARA) - A total of 12 victims of a speedboat that sank in the waters of Tomini Bay have been found alive by the joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team, whilst one person, the vessel’s captain, is still being sought.

Head of the Gorontalo Search and Rescue Office (KPP) Heriyanto, speaking in Gorontalo on Saturday, said that after conducting a search, the joint SAR team managed to locate the victims on a raft.

“We have received information from Tojo Una-Una Regency that 11 passengers, who are foreign nationals, and one crew member were found alive and have been evacuated to a resort in Tojo Una-Una,” said Heriyanto.

Based on information received by the Gorontalo KPP, the speedboat carrying the tourists departed from Tojo Una-Una, Central Sulawesi Province, on Friday morning (24/7) bound for Marisa, Pohuwato Regency, Gorontalo Province.

However, while crossing the waters of Tomini Bay, the vessel was struck by waves caused by bad weather, breaking into two parts before sinking.

According to him, although most of the passengers were rescued, one victim, the captain named Ardiansyah, remains missing.

He said that at the time of the incident, visibility was very poor due to fog, so the captain, who was believed to still be on board, could not be seen by the other survivors.

He affirmed that the SAR operation, under his control as Search Mission Coordinator (SMC), would continue to run at maximum effort.