Inp.polri.go.id - Labuan Bajo. A joint Search and Rescue (SAR) team rescued 10 passengers from a capsized tour boat near Kelor Island, Labuan Bajo, on Saturday (22/3/2025). 

The group included seven foreign tourists and three Indonesian, comprising the captain and crews.

“The accident occurred due to bad weather,” said Fathur Rahman, the Head of the National SAR Agency (Basarnas) Maumere, as quoted by antaranews.com. 

The Raja Bintang 02 boat departed Labuan Bajo at 1 am for an island tour and planned to anchor overnight at Kelor Island. Strong winds and high waves caused the anchor to drag, leading the vessel to run aground and capsize.

Nearby fishing boats rescued the passengers before SAR teams arrived using a rescue boat. The survivors were transferred to the Sipakatau, a passing pinisi vessel, and later taken to Labuan Bajo’s Marina Port at 2.30 am.

“All passengers are safe and have returned to their accommodations,” Rahman confirmed. 

(mg/inp/pr/nm)