Indonesia Boat Sinks, All 21 Survivors Rescued Safely

Rescue teams in Indonesia successfully saved 21 people on Tuesday morning after their boat sank in rough seas a day earlier, officials confirmed.

According to Muhammad Rizal, head of the search and rescue office in Palu, all individuals aboard the vessel were found safe. Initial reports had suggested 27 people were missing, but it was later clarified that six passengers listed on the manifest had cancelled their trip before departure.

The survivors, mostly fishing crew members, were discovered on a raft approximately 46 kilometers from the sinking site in the northern waters of Taliabu Island.

The vessel, identified as Nazila 05, had departed from Taliabu Island in North Maluku on Sunday evening, heading toward Kema in North Sulawesi.

Officials said the boat, commonly used for both fishing and transporting tourists, encountered severe weather conditions. The vessel’s bow was reportedly damaged by strong waves, causing it to sink. Before the incident, all crew members managed to transfer to a longboat and later secured themselves to a raft.

Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) deployed two rescue vessels, with additional support from local fishermen. Survivors will be transported to the nearby city of Gorontalo for further assistance.

As an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, Indonesia relies heavily on sea transport. However, maritime accidents remain frequent due to safety lapses and overcrowding issues.