The sailor, identified as Antonius Parantuan, 44, jumped into the sea in an attempt to reach the nearest shore and seek help but was swept away by strong currents. His body was found at 1 a.m. local time on Saturday.
The Kendari Search and Rescue (SAR) Agency head, Amiruddin, stated here on Saturday that the tugboat Iska 1165, carrying eight sailors, including the skipper, became stranded amid extreme weather at 2 a.m. local time.
At about 2:15 a.m. local time, rescuers from the Watakobi Office were dispatched to the reported last known position (LKP), which was about 32.78 miles from their pier of departure, he stated.
The rescuers arrived at the LKP at about 5:40 a.m. local time and found the tugboat stranded. During the rescue effort, they encountered high waves, making it difficult to reach the vessel, he stated.
At about 8:30 a.m. local time on Saturday, the vessel's skipper, identified as Leo, 37, and six other sailors were found alive and had received medical treatment at the Rambo Public Health Center.
Amiruddin remarked that the six survivors are identified as Yulius Solu (37), Rinto (31), Natan (29), Marten (34), Petrus Rante (40), and Yulius Karo Rama (40).
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Translator: La Ode Muh, Rahmad Nasution
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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