Indonesian Rescuers Search for Missing After Boat Capsize

Padang, Indonesia, July 15 (AP) – Indonesian rescuers are actively searching for 11 missing individuals, including three children, following the capsizing of a speedboat amidst a storm off Indonesia's Mentawai Islands. The incident occurred on Monday.

Lahmudin, the head of the local Disaster Management Agency, reported that seven individuals, including both crew members, have been rescued and are in stable condition after spending several hours in the turbulent waters.

The incident took place in the Sipora Strait after the boat left Sikakap, a town in the Mentawai Islands district of West Sumatra province, around midday. The vessel was en route to the nearby town of Tuapejat, a journey expected to take less than two hours.

The boat was transporting 16 passengers, mainly local administration officials, along with its two crew members. Among the 11 missing are three children and a local parliamentarian.

Survivors recounted that the boat was overcome by high waves during a sudden storm, although authorities are still probing the exact cause of the accident, according to Lahmudin.

Efforts to locate survivors included a rescue ship and an inflatable boat, with help from local fishermen and onshore residents, explained Rudi, chief of the local search and rescue agency, who also only uses one name.

Footage shared by the National Search and Rescue Agency depicted relentless overnight search efforts on rough seas exacerbated by rainfall.

Indonesia, a nation comprising over 17,000 islands, frequently relies on ferries for transportation. Unfortunately, accidents are a common occurrence, with inadequate safety regulations often held responsible.

Earlier this month, a ferry disaster near Bali, a popular tourist destination in Indonesia, resulted in at least 18 fatalities, with 17 still missing. A comprehensive two-week search operation, which included over 1,000 rescue personnel, three navy ships, 15 boats, a helicopter, and divers, was officially concluded on Monday. (AP) GRS GRS

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