Having Been Tossed Around In The Middle Of The Sea Due To Engine Shutdown, Finally 85 Passengers On Express Priscillia 88 Arrived In Gorontalo

GORONTALO - As many as 85 passengers on the fast ship Express Priscillia 88 who experienced an engine failure in the waters of Tomini Bay, arrived safely at the Port of Gorontalo, Gorontalo City, Gorontalo Province today.

Head of the Gorontalo Basarnas Operations Section Hendry Pattiruhu said, the fast boat was pulled back by KM Belt Nusantara 59 to the Port of Gorontalo with assistance from a joint SAR team.

"The total number of passengers and crew on board the Priscilia is 85 consisting of 73 passengers and 12 crew members," Hendry said as quoted by Antara, Tuesday, February 14.

He explained that all passengers were successfully evacuated, but there were several passengers who needed further medical treatment after being adrift at sea.

"Earlier, we also received some information regarding passengers' drinks and food which have been prepared at the command post. Therefore, we, the joint SAR team, are preparing facilities related to the consumption needed by the passengers," he explained.

After arriving at the Port of Gorontalo, all passengers immediately underwent a medical examination, were given food and drink. Two of them were rushed to the hospital for further medical treatment.

Previously, on Monday at 19.15 WITA the communication officer for the Gorontalo Search and Rescue Office received information from the captain of the Express Priscillia 88 fast boat.

That there has been a ship accident. The fast ship, Express Priscillia 88, experienced an engine failure with a total of 85 passengers.

Receiving the report, Basarnas Gorontalo deployed personnel using rescue boats 216 and carrying other equipment.