Basarnas Suspends Search for Missing Speedboat in Gorontalo

The search for a speedboat that lost contact while sailing in Tomini Bay, Gorontalo, has been postponed due to bad weather.

“The weather tonight is not favourable because the waves are quite high, between 1.5 and 2.5 metres. We will most likely search for the vessel tomorrow morning,” said the Head of Basarnas Gorontalo, Heriyanto, speaking to journalists on Friday (24/7).

The speedboat, carrying 11 foreign tourists, departed from Tojo Una-una Regency on Friday (24/7) at around 07.00 Central Indonesia Time and was expected to arrive at Marisa Port in Pohuwato Regency at around 11.00 Central Indonesia Time. However, the vessel has yet to arrive.

“There are 13 people in total: 11 foreign nationals, the boat captain and one crew member. The journey from Tojo Una-una Regency to Marisa Port takes an estimated four hours,” he said.

Heriyanto added that information about the vessel losing contact was received at 15.40 Central Indonesia Time.

“We estimate the vessel had sailed around 20 nautical miles from Tojo Una-una Regency towards Marisa Port. That is our estimate. So, if we calculate it, it is around 40 nautical miles to reach Marisa Port,” he explained.

Basarnas Gorontalo is currently coordinating with Basarnas Palu, the Gorontalo Naval Base (Lanal), and coastal radio stations to obtain information on the vessel’s whereabouts.