Seven Missing After Speedboat Hit by Waves in Maluku, One Dead

Seven people have been declared missing after a speedboat carrying ten passengers sank after being hit by waves in Southwest Maluku. Survivors Yakop Anamofa (22) and Ignasius Matrunkoly (42) were rescued, while one other victim drowned.

The incident occurred in the waters off Dai Island, Sinairusi Village, West Babar District, Southwest Maluku Regency, Maluku, on Thursday (11/6) at 07:30 WIT. The speedboat, which was carrying ten passengers, was originally travelling from Sanairusi Village to Tepa.

According to victims Yakop and Ignasius, when the speedboat arrived between Dai Island and Tepa Village, strong winds suddenly triggered waves that slammed into the boat’s hull, said Southwest Maluku Police Chief AKBP Budhi Suriawardhana. Seawater then entered the speedboat. Shortly afterwards, the speedboat sank in the waters between the islands and the passengers attempted to swim to safety.

Yakop and Ignasius then swam towards land because they could still see the coastline of Dai Island. At that moment, they saw Aseal Danie swimming behind them. Budhi explained that high waves at the time prevented the two survivors from helping Asael. They subsequently saw Asael and believe he drowned.

The victim was elderly and the weather conditions were poor, so the two witnesses were unable to rescue him and swam to shore to save themselves.