Tourist boat sinks off Indonesian coast; Seven Dutch rescued
A tourist boat carrying seven Dutch passengers sank off the coast of the Banyak Islands in Indonesia, local authorities confirmed. Two local residents were also on board.
A spokesman for the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed to RTL that all Dutch tourists were physically unharmed but declined to comment on the cause of the accident.
The incident occurred Wednesday near Aceh Singkil in the province of Aceh on Sumatra. According to local reports, the speedboat struck a large wave with such force that it sank.
Radio Republik Indonesia, the Indonesian state broadcaster, reported that all passengers were pulled from the water during the rescue operation.
Search efforts continue for personal belongings, particularly passports. “We have recovered three passports. The search is ongoing for the remaining four,” a rescue team spokesman said.
The seven Dutch tourists are expected to be transported to the city of Singkil as soon as weather conditions allow. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance, including advice and help obtaining replacement passports.
