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View all search resultsWest Sumatra boat accident once again exposes Indonesia’s poor maritime safety record
Mentawai Islands Regent Rinto Wardana stated that the boat was operating over its maximum capacity when the accident occurred.
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An amateur camera captured a horrifying situation when a large wave hit passenger vessel KM Lestari Maju in Selayar Islands, South Sulawesi, on July 3. (Courtesy of the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB)/File)
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speedboat carrying 18 passengers capsized in the waters of Mentawai Islands regency, West Sumatra, on Monday, an incident that once again underscored Indonesia’s ongoing struggles with maritime safety.
According to authorities, the boat was traveling from North Pagai Island to Sipora Island at around 7 a.m. However, three hours into the journey, it encountered poor weather and high waves in the Sipora Strait, causing the vessel to capsize.
Among the 18 people on board were local councillor Isar Taileleu and his two children, as well as officials from the local Housing Agency, the Public Works and Spatial Planning Agency, and several local contractors. The purpose of the trip remains unclear.
Seven passengers were found safe on Monday night after swimming for six hours to reach the shore.
The remaining victims were discovered the following day, having also managed to swim to safety, according to Mentawai Police Chief Sr. Adj. Comr. Rory Ratno.
“They have been transported to a medical facility in Tuapejat, with most suffering from severe exhaustion,” Rory said on Tuesday, as reported by Kompas.com.
Prior to their rescue, the Mentawai Search and Rescue Agency had deployed 28 personnel and two vessels to search for the missing passengers following the boat’s capsizing.
