Jakarta, IO – As many as 28 residents were reported missing aboard a Bigetron GT 6 motorboat while crossing Batuampar waters, Mamuju regency, West Sulawesi, Wednesday (20/12).
The report about the incident was first made by Muhammad Idris, head of East Balabalakang, Mamuju, per Kompas, Thu (21/10).
Idris said that the previous ship departed from Ambo Island, East Balabalakang village on Wednesday (20/12) at around 10am WITA. The ship was scheduled to arrive at 4pm WITA a pier in Sumare village, Mamuju.
“The travel time is around 6 hours. However, up until now there has been no sign that it will arrive,” he said.
In response, the search and rescue agency (Basarda) in Mamuju has deployed its personnel to scour the area.
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Basarda head Muhammad Rizal said that KN SAR Perikersit 251 will be used to carry out the search and rescue operation. The ship departed from Belang-Belang Mamuju harbour to the location in the small hours of Thursday (21/12).
“Hopefully the 28 people on the (missing) boat can be found safe and sound,” said Rizal. (un)