Indonesia Boat Tragedy: 15 Foreigners Missing After Boat Sinks

At least 15 people, mostly vacationing foreigners have been reported missing following a boat tragedy in Indonesia. According to BBC News, the accident happened in central Indonesia on the eastern shore of the country at around 7 p.m. local time last night. The boat was reportedly making its way from the tourist island of Lombok to another island, Komodo which is famous for the Komodo Dragons. Lombok island is not far from Indonesia’s famous tourist spot, Bali. The boat reportedly had 25 people on board.

According to a local official, the accident happened after the boat reportedly hit a reef ad started taking in water quickly. The boat sank at around mid-night local time, reports ABC News. However it was not until 8 a.m. next day that rescue teams reached the area where the boat sank. This was largely blamed on “poor communication”. However a team of local fishermen had begun rescue efforts overnight.

Of the 15 people missing, five are Indonesian crew members working on the boat. Ten people who have been rescued following the boat tragedy and are reportedly citizens of UK, New Zealand, Spain, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

The British Foreign Office has confirmed that at least two British nationals are missing following the accident and that they are ready to offer consular assistance.

“We are in touch with the local authorities and stand ready to offer consular assistance,” a foreign office spokesman said.

According to Tajuddin Sam, an employee of the company that owned the sunk boat, it is likely that it could have encountered stormy weather on thie route.

The trip from Lombok island to Komodo island usually takes three days to complete.

[Image Via News.Com.au]