Basarnas Suspends Search for Missing Speedboat in Gorontalo

Bad weather has forced the suspension of the search for a speedboat that lost contact while sailing in the Gulf of Tomini, Gorontalo. “Tonight’s weather is not supportive because the waves are quite high, between 1.5 and 2.5 metres. We will likely search for the vessel tomorrow morning,” said Head of the Gorontalo Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas), Heriyanto, to reporters on Friday (24/7). The speedboat, carrying 11 foreign tourists, departed from Tojo Una-Una Regency at around 07:00 WITA and was expected to arrive at Marisa Port in Pohuwato Regency at around 11:00 WITA. However, the vessel has yet to arrive. “There are a total of 13 people, 11 foreign nationals, the skipper, and one crew member. The journey from Tojo Una-Una Regency to Marisa Port is estimated to take four hours,” he said. Information regarding the vessel’s loss of contact was received at 15:40 WITA. “We estimate the vessel had sailed about 20 nautical miles from Tojo Una-Una Regency towards Marisa Port. That is our estimate. So, if we calculate, it is about 40 nautical miles to reach Marisa Port,” he explained. The Gorontalo Basarnas is currently coordinating with Basarnas Palu, the Gorontalo Naval Base, and coastal radio stations to obtain information on the vessel’s whereabouts.