Boat missing in Indonesia, 11 European tourists were on board; Large scale search operation continues

Palu. A massive search and rescue operation is underway after a speedboat went missing near Indonesia’s Sulawesi island. The speedboat was carrying 11 European tourists and two local crew members. Officials said on Saturday that till now no trace of the boat or the people in it has been found.

According to officials, the speedboat left Tanjung Ununa regency on Friday morning for Marisa port in Gorontalo province. However, the boat did not reach its destination on time. Heriyanto, head of the search and rescue office of Gorontalo province, said a local tour guide reported the speedboat missing at around 3:40 pm on Friday. Immediately after this, a search operation was started at night. He said, ‘When the speedboat did not reach its destination till noon, the concern increased. We immediately started a search operation, but till now no trace of the boat or the people in it has been found.

According to Indonesian officials, the speedboat was carrying a Czech Republic national, a Belgian national, five Netherlands nationals, three German nationals, a French woman and two Indonesian crew members.

Relief and rescue teams have conducted search operations in Tomini Gulf and surrounding area of ​​about 300 square nautical miles. Several rescue teams, thermal imaging drones and teams of divers have been deployed for the search. The search operation is being conducted keeping in mind the possible route of the boat.

The Meteorological Department has predicted generally clear weather in the area, but the rescue operation is facing difficulties due to strong winds and waves about 2.5 meters high in the sea. Officials say the search for the missing tourists and crew is continuing despite challenging conditions.