Inp.polri.go.id - Ambon. A speedboat carrying 28 passengers sank in the waters near Manipa Island, West Seram in Maluku at around 10 am local time on Friday (3/1/2025), claiming the lives of eight people. 

The incident was likely caused by high waves in the Tanjung Samala area near Kelang Island, according to the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) in Ambon.

Basarnas Ambon received the report at 2 pm and dispatched search teams to the location approximately 22 nautical miles from Namlea Port. By 4.05 pm, it was confirmed that the local residents had s rescued 20 survivors. 

“The boat had been traveling from KelangIsland  to Ambon when it was struck by the waves," said Muhamad Arafah, the Head of Basarnas Ambon, as wuoted by antaranews.com.

The deceased victims included a child, a 46-year-old man, and six other adults.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)