28 Passengers of the Raha-Maligano Route Sinking Ship are Safe

Muna - The Muna Police confirmed that 28 people were successfully evacuated in a safe condition after the fast boat KM Maligano Star route Raha-Maligano sank in the waters of Pohorua Village, Muna Regency, Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra).

Head of the Public Relations Section (Kasi) of the Muna Police, Iptu Muhammad Jufri, said the incident that befell the ship occurred at around 17.30 Wita, due to bad weather when the ship crossed the waters of Maligano District.

"All passengers, who numbered 28 people and four ship crew, including motorcyclists, were declared safe and have been evacuated for medical treatment," said Iptu Muhammad Jufri.

Based on the testimony of witnesses at the scene, he said, the ship began to experience problems when strong winds triggered high waves.

At that time, the seawater that started to enter the engine room caused the engine to shut down completely so that the ship lost control until it finally sank and sank.

In addition to evacuating the victims, the police recorded material losses in the form of eight two-wheeled vehicles belonging to passengers who drowned along with the hull around Tanjung Desa Pohorua.

"So far, 22 victims are reported to be in stable condition after being treated at the Maligano Health Center, while the other two are still receiving oxygen assistance due to shortness of breath during the incident, and the others are in good condition," he said.

Muhammad Jufri also appealed to all people and maritime transportation service providers to postpone shipping activities if weather conditions do not allow.

This, he said, followed the potential for heavy rain and strong winds that still overshadowed the coastal area of Muna.

"We ask fishermen and boat motorists to always pay attention to the safety standards of shipping and monitor official weather information in order to prevent the recurrence of similar accidents," he said.