Over 70 people are missing and three have been confirmed dead after a passenger vessel Marina Baru capsized on December 19 off southern Sulawesi, Indonesia, due to rough weather, according to local media.
At the time of the incident the vessel was reportedly carrying some 125 passengers and crew members en route from the port of Kolaka to Bansalae, Sulawesi.
The vessel was hit by 10 feet high waves during stormy weather on Saturday afternoon. The waves damaged the vessel which subsequently started taking on water and sank 13 miles southeast of Siwa port.
The authorities managed to save some 40 people, and continued search and rescue operations for other passengers.
The cause of the incident is attributed to the inclement weather conditions, which continues to hamper search efforts.
World Maritime News Staff