A tragic incident unfolded off the coast of Indonesia when a tourist boat sank, leaving a Spanish family of four missing. This occurred in the Padar Island Strait near Labuan Bajo, a well-known holiday destination.
Details of the Incident
The vessel was carrying eleven people when it capsized late on Friday night, 27 December 2024, due to severe weather, with waves reaching up to three metres. According to the Indonesian news agency Antara, the boat’s sinking prompted an immediate search and rescue operation.
Rescue Efforts
- Seven individuals were successfully rescued, including two Spanish tourists, four crew members, and a tour guide.
- The remaining four, comprising the aforementioned family, are still unaccounted for.
- Authorities noted that high waves complicated the initial rescue efforts.
Safety Concerns
The port authority chief, Stephanus Risdiyanto, shared that extreme weather led to the closure of Padar Island to tourists on Saturday. Unfortunately, marine accidents are a common occurrence in Indonesia, where safety standards are frequently called into question.
Search Ongoing
As search teams continue their efforts, hopes remain high for the safe recovery of the missing family. We’ll keep following this story as more information becomes available.