Luwuk, C Sulawesi (ANTARA) - A search and rescue (SAR) team of Palu, Central Sulawesi, rescued 30 passengers and crew of MV Bukit Rahmat sinking in the waters of Timpaus, off Sonit Island, on Monday evening.

The boat of 25 gross tonnage sailed from the Luwuk Seaport on Saturday afternoon (July 25) and was scheduled to arrive in Taliabu Harbor on Monday (July 27) afternoon, Fatma, spokesperson of Palu's Search and Rescue office (Basarnas), revealed here on Monday evening.

However, the boat, captained by Suhardin Ode Idrus, met with an accident on Monday at 3:55 p.m. local time.

The SAR post of Luwuk at 5:40 p.m. received a report of MV Bukit Rahmat having met with an accident and sinking in the Taliabu waters.

After receiving the information, the Palu Basarnas coordinated with the nearest SAR offices, including the Kendari SAR office and Ternate SAR Office, as well as with the authorities of Luwuk and Taliabu, for rescue operations on Monday evening.

At 7 p.m. local time, the Palu Basarnas received information from the Taliabu SAR that the Prime 165 boat owned by PT Adidaya Tangguh had conducted a search of the scene.

Later, the ship was reportedly found to have started sinking, and rescuers came forth to facilitate the evacuation of the victims.

A total of 30 people, comprising 17 adult passengers, four children, and nine people, with special needs, were rescued. Related news: Natuna SAR team evacuates seven fishermen of capsized boat
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Translator: Stepensopyan P, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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