SAR Team Searches Victims of Sunk Vessel in Lake Toba

Medan, North Sumatra, MINA — The Search and Rescue (SAR) team in Simalungun District, North Sumatra, will continue searching for the victims of vessel MV Sinar Bangun that sank in the Toba Lake waters, Monday, at 5:30 p.m. local time.

Public Relations Officer of the North Sumatra Police Senior Commissioner Adjunct Nainggolan stated here on Monday evening that Sinar Bangun set sail from Simanindo Port of Samosir District and was heading to Tigaras Port of Simalungun District.

Nainggolan noted that the bad weather and strong waves caused the vessel to tilt.

“The passengers, in a state of panic, jumped into the waters,” Nainggolan said.

The SAR team comprising officers from the Police, Marine, Samosir Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency, (BNPBD) and divers will continue to search for the victims, who are still missing.

The vessel that carried 80 passengers sank one mile from Tigaras Port.

At least 16 survivors were rescued on Monday (June 18). The officers took them to the Pangururan Samosir Public Hospital to receive treatment.

Moreover, the officer also rescued three survivors and brought them to the Adrianus Pangururan Hospital.

Meanwhile, 10 other survivors are receiving treatment at the Simanindo Public Health Center. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)