Kendari, SE Sulawesi (ANTARA) - Fifteen people died after a katinting traditional boat ferrying 48 passengers sank in the waters of Central Mawasangka Bay, Central Buton District, Southeast Sulawesi, on Monday, according to the search and rescue (SAR) office in Kendari.

The Central Buton Police have identified 33 survivors in the incident, along with the 15 deceased, said Muhammad Arafah, the head of Kendari's SAR Office, on Monday.

All victims have been found, and 27 survivors have returned home, he added.

The inter-village crossing boat reportedly sank while carrying passengers from Lanto village in Central Mawasangka sub-district to Lagili village in East Masawangka sub-district early on Monday morning.

They were returning after attending an event celebrating the Central Buton district's anniversary in Lanto village.

The police are investigating the cause of the incident.

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Translator: La Ode Muh. Deden Saputra/Sri Haryati
Editor: Anton Santoso
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