Indonesian rescuers search for Spanish father, 3 children after tourist boat sinks
High waves are believed to have caused the sightseeing boat to capsize en route to popular tourist destination Labuan Bajo
The boat was carrying the family of six, four crew members and a local guide when it went down on Friday evening after suffering engine failure on a trip from Komodo Island to Padar, said Fathur Rahman, who heads the Maumere Search and Rescue Office.
He said three people were rescued by a passing vessel, and four others were picked up by a search and rescue team. The survivors included the Spanish mother and one daughter. The father, two sons and another daughter were missing.
The survivors were treated at the port office in Labuan Bajo city as strong waves and darkness hampered emergency responders overnight.
Multiple rescue units in inflatable boats, a navy vessel with diving equipment and a rescue ship were involved in the search, with the assistance of local fishermen and residents. It was centred on a five nautical mile radius of the sinking site, where rescuers found the boat debris, Rahman said.
“Our teams have been combing the northern waters of Padar Island until dusk,” Rahman said. “We are determined to find the victims.”