Inp.polri.go.id - Natuna. The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) in Natuna, Riau has updated the death toll from the sinking of the Motor Vessel Samarinda in the Matak waters of Anambas regency to 57 after a re-evaluation of passenger data by the SAR team.

Budiman,the Head of the Basarnas in Natuna, confirmed on Sunday (28/7/2024) that the initial count of around 40 victims has increased by 17 after some survivors who had previously not been accounted for returned home safely. 

The number of confirmed fatalities remains at three.

Currently, 27 survivors are receiving treatment at local hospitals, while another 27 who were previously unreported have also returned home. The ship sank on the afternoon of 26 July 2024, under calm weather conditions.

Earlier reports noted that the Samarinda, a wooden passenger vessel, was carrying 40 passengers. Rescue operations have evacuated 37 survivors, with some in critical condition. The cause of the sinking is under investigation by Anambas Sub-regional Police.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)