The Cargo Vessel, Manned By 20 Indonesian Citizens, Drowned Due To Machine Damage In Taiwan: Five Evacuated, 12 Still In Search

JAKARTA - Taiwan's rescue and military teams continue to search and rescue 12 Indonesian citizens who were victims of the sinking of cargo ships in Taiwan waters earlier this week.

The Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Judha Nugraha explained that the ship in question was the cargo ship Shin Shuen No.1 which had a Panamanian flag and was manned by 20 Indonesian crew members (ABK).

"The results of the coordination carried out by the Indonesian Trade and Economy Office in Taipei with the Taiwanese authorities were obtained in chronological terms, on October 30, three crew members were evacuated by helicopter due to an accident due to bad weather on October 30," Judha explained in a virtual press statement, Thursday, November 3.

"On October 31, the ship suffered engine failure and sank due to waves 14 nautical miles from Taiwan's coast," Judha said.

"There were 17 crew onboard (at the time of the incident). Five survived after being evacuated by the Evergreen cargo ship that was passing by. While the other 12 are still in search and rescue efforts," said Judha.

He further explained that search efforts were carried out by involving three large ships, eight small ships and military drones, with today's search being carried out to the east.

"Regarding the three crew members who were evacuated by helicopter before the ship sank, two of them were still being treated in hospital due to fractures. While the other was allowed to go home and be placed in a hotel," Judha explained.

"Meanwhile, the five crew members who were rescued by the Evergreen cargo ship are currently in good health and being accommodated in one of the hotels," he said.

He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also coordinated and communicated with the families of Indonesian crew members who crewed the ship.

It is known that tropical storm Nalgau hit Taiwan's territorial waters at the end of last month, citing Taiwannews.