Ambon, Maluku (ANTARA) - A search operation was conducted on Monday to locate two passengers of a wooden motorboat, locally called "perahu ketinting," that capsized in the waters of Pulau Kelang, Seram Bagian Timur District, Maluku, on Nov 8.

The search mission for locating Firmansyah Tomia, 19, and Wahid Tomia, 18, was undertaken by the Namlea Search and Rescue Agency’s personnel after receiving a report on the missing people, Head of the Ambon SAR Agency Djunaidi stated here, Monday.

"We dispatch the search team to follow up on a report filed by one of the victims' relatives named Satria Tomia," he stated.

Firmansyah Tomia and Wahid Tomia boarded the traditional motorboat along with their friend, 19-year-old Rizal. However, Rizal survived the sea accident that occurred en route from the Pilar Luhutabang Hamlet in Manila Island to Kelang Island on Sunday evening.

The rescue workers boarded two rigid inflatable boats to conduct the search operation. They were assisted by volunteers and relatives of the missing persons.
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Translator: Daniel L, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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