46 Passengers Rescued from Capsized Fishing Boat in Larantuka

Kupang E nusa Tenggara (Antara) - East Flores district Chief Yoseph Ladadoni announced that 46 passengers have been rescued from the capsized fishing boat incident at Gonzalu strait, during the Good Friday commemoration sea parade. Of the 46 people, 29 are still in intensive care at Larantuka hospital, while 17 others have returned to their homes, Lagadoni stated here on Friday. Regarding the number of passengers, it is uncertain as there is no data available during the procession, but the pilgrim passenger data collection is being done by the deputy district Chief Valens Tukan. "The pilgrims who were in the motor boat are known to have come from two villages in Lewolere. Data collection has been done before in determining other missing people from the accident," noted Lagadoni. He explained that the search for victims is still being carried out by the police led by the East Flores police chief. "While there is data collection, the search continues. Hopefully, all the victims will be found, " Lagadoni asserted. "Currently, the boat has been taken to the nearest shore and the victims have been evacuated to the nearest hospital for medical treatment," confirmed East Flores Police Chief Dewa Putu Gede Artha earlier. The fishing boat, Nelayan Bhakti, was ferrying pilgrims who were observing the Good Friday ceremony, to pick the statue of Jesus from Rewindo Coast to Larantuka City. The Good Friday Ceremony in Larantuka paraded the statue along with tens of boats and thousands of pilgrims from East Nusa Tenggara and other places. (*)