Bangkok: Indonesian rescue workers have saved five more survivors after they drifted at sea for three days following the sinking of the passenger ferry MK Nurul Salsa in South Sulawesi province. The search continues for 20 missing people. According to Thai News Agency, officials revealed that the passenger ferry MK Nurul Salsa experienced engine failure last Wednesday (July 15) before sinking approximately 79 kilometers from port in the Selayar Islands. The number of people on board has been revised from the initially reported 50 to 78, which included cargo, cattle, and motorcycles. 49 survivors have been rescued, and one death has been confirmed. Late Saturday evening (July 18), five more survivors were found - one man, four women, and a 7-year-old girl. They survived by clinging to local fishermen's fishing nets and eating instant noodles. This brings the total number of missing persons to 20, and the search continues.
The Makassar Search and Rescue Agency stated that the search operation was supported by the Indonesian Navy, specialists, and local fishing vessels. Five large ships, patrol aircraft, and helicopters were deployed for aerial search. However, rescue teams faced poor weather conditions, with waves reaching 2-2.5 meters high and strong winds posing significant obstacles in the search for remaining survivors.