The traditional-style pinisi tourist boat, KM Putri Sakinah, sank in the strait off Padar Island in the Komodo National Park area (West Manggarai, Flores). Onboard were 11 people. In the initial hours after the accident, seven were rescued, and four Spanish tourists were reported missing. The boat encountered severe weather conditions: reports indicated waves higher than 2 meters.
On the morning of December 29, the search and rescue team received a report from locals about the discovery of a girl's body in the Pulau Serai area (Selat Padar waters). It was taken to Labuan Bajo for identification.
The search for the other missing individuals continues. The operation is planned to run for up to seven days.
Labuan Bajo port authorities have temporarily restricted tourist boat departures to Padar and Komodo. The reasons cited were the risk of extreme weather and the need not to hinder the work of the search team.
If you're planning a trip to Komodo, choose an operator carefully and avoid sailing under questionable weather forecasts. If the weather deteriorates and the crew still wants to head out to sea, it's safer to postpone the tour — even if it means losing some money.
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