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JAKARTA: Four people have died, and three others are missing after a speedboat carrying 51 passengers capsized in Indonesia's North Kalimantan province, a senior rescuer said on Tuesday (Feb 11).
The speedboat, Iksa Express, was struck by large waves and overturned while passing through waters off Bulungan Regency on Monday, according to Dede Hariana, head of the operational units at the provincial search and rescue office.
"Four people lost their lives in the incident. Three others are still missing, and search efforts are ongoing. There were 51 people on board at the time of the accident," Hariana told Xinhua via phone.
He explained that the speedboat was hit by massive waves, leading to the fatal maritime incident.
Rescuers evacuated 44 individuals and transported them to the local social service office, while the bodies of the four deceased were taken to Bulungan General Hospital, he said.
The search for the three missing persons resumed on Tuesday, involving a joint rescue team led by the search and rescue office, he added.
Indonesia's Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency has warned travellers to exercise caution during sea voyages, as extreme weather conditions may lead to high waves and strong winds. - Xinhua
