Makassar - A passenger ship KM Nurul Salsa, carrying over 70 people including crews, sank after engine failure near Selayar Island in Indonesia's South Sulawesi on Wednesday, 15 July 2026, caused one person died, 49 others were evacuated safely and 23 people are still missing, Makassar Search And Rescue Office said on Thursday, 16 July 2026.
According to Muhammad Arif Anwar, head of Makassar SAR Office, there're 50 people onboard based on the ship manifest, however after gathering information from families and relatives of victims, the number of people on the ship when the accident took place more than 70 individuals.
KM Nurul Salsa was sailing from Jampea Island to Benteng Selayar Port when experienced engine failure about 43 nautical mile western of Polassi Island, the head of regional SAR office explained.
A family member of one of the victims called SAR's hotline number informing the sea accident, and instantly rescuers from Selayar Island were sent to the location, while other SAR units, including from Makassar SAR office were sent off to assist.
"At 04.00 this morning, KLM Harapan Kita succeeded evacuating 47 people - 7 crews and 40 passengers, 39 are survived and another has died," Head of Makassar SAR Office said in a video statement.
After cross-checking manifest and reports from victims families and relatives, about seven passengers did not included in ship's data, the official said.
"Up to now, we have been searching for 23 passengers who are declared missing, where as seven of them were not in the manifest," the official explained.***
