Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) in Ternate, North Maluku  confirmed that that six passengers, including North Maluku gubernatorial candidate Benny Laos, died aboard the speedboat Bella 72, which caught fire in Bobong, Taliabu Island, North Maluku, on Saturday (12/10/2024).

Benny was declared dead at 5.20 pm following medical treatment, according to antaranews.com.

The speedboat carried a total of 33 passengers, including the crew. Of those on board, 27 survived.  

According to Fathurahman, the head of Basarnas Ternate, the rescue operation was halted at 8.30 pm local time. The speedboat has been secured onshore, with no victims found inside.

The fatalities include North Maluku Legislative Council (DPRD) Ester Tantry and Mubin A. Wahid, the United Development Party (PPP) in North Maluku,

Ten survivors are currently receiving medical treatment at Bobong Regional Hospital.

The cause of the fire is under investigation, with local authorities deploying a forensic team to the scene. 

(mg/inp/pr/nm)