Indonesian rescuers search for missing speedboat with 11 European tourists, two local crew members
Indonesian authorities are conducting a search and rescue operation for a missing speedboat carrying 11 European tourists and two crew members near Sulawesi island. The vessel failed to arrive at its destination on Friday, prompting an immediate search effort despite challenging sea conditions.
Why it matters
This is a significant international safety incident involving multiple foreign nationals, requiring coordinated search efforts.
“Indonesian rescuers are searching for a speedboat carrying 11 European tourists and two local crew members that went missing off a bay on Sulawesi island,” officials said on Saturday (July 25, 2026).
“The vessel departed from Tanjung Unauna regency on Friday (July 24, 2026), bound for Marisa Port in the neighbouring Gorontalo province but failed to arrive as scheduled,” said Heriyanto, Head of the Gorontalo Province Search and Rescue Office.
“A local tour guide reported the missing boat to the search and rescue office at 3:40 p.m. on Friday (July 24, 2026), prompting an immediate search operation,” said Mr. Heriyanto, who, like many Indonesians, uses a single name. “Concerns arose when their speedboat had not arrived by afternoon,” Mr. Heriyanto said.
“We immediately launched a search mission overnight but until now have not found any signs" of the vessel or people on board.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in