At least 15 people lost their lives on Monday in a devastating boat sinking incident off the coast of Indonesia’s Sulawesi island, according to search and rescue officials. The wooden boat, carrying 48 people, sank just after midnight (17.00:GMT on Sunday), resulting in the tragic loss of lives and leaving six others rescued and taken to the hospital for treatment.
The local office of Indonesia’s search and rescue agency provided updates on the situation, confirming that all missing passengers had been accounted for. Earlier reports had indicated that 19 people were missing, but Muhamad Arafah, the head of the local search and rescue agency in Kendari city, Southeast Sulawesi, clarified that the operation had been concluded and officially closed.
