Ternate, N Maluku (ANTARA) - The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) Office in Ternate, North Maluku Province, has rescued 16 crew members of a motor vessel that had engine trouble and was carried by sea currents in South Halmahera district.

MV Barmas had engine trouble while on its way from Panambuang port to the waters of Obi Island to catch fish on Tuesday Chief of the Basarnas Office Muhammad Arafah said on Wednesday.

The wife of one of the MV Barmas crew members said she had contacted her husband but to no avail as his cellular phone was not active.

Upon receiving information about MV Barnas, the Basarnas office cross-checked the information and traced the whereabouts of the motor vessel.

After spotting the motor vessel, the Basarnas Office sent its personnel to the scene to rescue its crew members.

Translator: Abdul Fatah/Suharto
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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