Synopsis
A speedboat capsized in North Kalimantan, Indonesia, resulting in four fatalities and four individuals missing. The vessel sank shortly after departure from Nunukan city. Search and rescue efforts involve various agencies, while survivors are receiving medical attention. The incident highlights the dangers of maritime travel in rough waters.Key Takeaways
- Speedboat sank off North Kalimantan.
- Four people confirmed dead, four missing.
- Survivors taken to a hospital for treatment.
- Captain detained for questioning.
- Search and rescue operations ongoing.
Jakarta, Jan 29 (NationPress) A speedboat carrying 16 individuals tragically sank in the waters off Indonesia's North Kalimantan province, as reported by a senior local rescuer on Wednesday.
The vessel capsized near the shores of the Sei Menggaris sub-district in Nunukan regency around noon on Wednesday, shortly after leaving a seaport in Nunukan city, the regency's capital, according to Syahril, who leads the provincial search and rescue office.
"The incident transpired at noon today. Four individuals have lost their lives. We have successfully rescued eight people and are currently searching for four others who are still unaccounted for," he informed Xinhua news agency via phone.
Syahril noted that those who survived have been transported to a hospital and a nearby facility for medical care, while the captain of the speedboat has been taken into custody at a police station for further inquiries regarding the incident.
The ongoing search and rescue operation for the missing individuals involves police, military personnel, members of the search and rescue office, the local disaster management agency, and volunteers.
As per the local disaster management agency, the speedboat encountered large waves which contributed to the sinking.
North Kalimantan is a province situated on the island of Kalimantan, home to approximately 600,000 residents. The province spans around 7.5 million hectares, with 4.5 million hectares designated as forest area.
In a separate incident on Tuesday, 13 students were reported to have been swept away by waves at Drini Beach in Gunung Kidul regency, Yogyakarta, with four confirmed dead and others receiving medical attention, as reported by the prominent Indonesian daily, Jakarta Post, on Wednesday.
"A group of 261 students accompanied by 16 teachers arrived at the beach around 6 am and immediately began swimming. However, shortly after, many students were caught in the strong waves," the report stated.
