Rescue teams raced early Tuesday (March 31, 2026) to find 27 people believed to be drifting on a raft in Indonesian waters a day after their boat sank in rough seas.
The passenger boat departed Taliabu port in North Maluku province just after dusk Sunday (March 29, 2026). It was bound for Kema in North Sulawesi province before sinking in the northern waters of Taliabu Island, said Muhammad Rizal, who heads the search and rescue office in Palu city.
The owner of the Nazila 05 told authorities the boat's captain had reported the vessel sank after its bow was broken by high waves during rough weather.
“All 27 people aboard managed to evacuate using a longboat before the ship went down,” Mr. Rizal said, “However, their current location remains unknown.”
Relatives reported the victims had tied themselves to a raft, and the National Search and Rescue Agency said a rescue vessel was heading toward the estimated location where the raft was believed to be drifting in choppy waters.
