Young Man Swam for 100 Meters to Save His Cousin After Tragic Boat Accident in Southeast Sulawesi

Liputan6.com, Central Buton - An inter-village boat was capsized when taking passengers on Central Mawasangka Bay, Southeast Sulawesi. At least 15 people lost their lives while 19 others have yet to be found. 

The passengers were just returning from watching a concert during the anniversary of Central Buton Regency. The authorities suspect the boat was overcrowded. 

According to the state news agency Antara on Monday, the Search and Rescue unit sent two rubber boats to find the victims. Six people were found alive but 15 villagers lost their lives.

The head of Search and Rescue National Agency in Kendari, Muhammad Arafah, said there were 40 people on the boat, and his teams are still trying to discover the other 19 passengers.

The 15 deceased victims were residents of Lagili village in East Mawasangka District, Buton Tengah Regency. Their bodies were immediately returned to the families after identification.

100 Meter Swimming

One of the survivors, Muhammad Arif, recounted the story of how he swam for 100 meter after the incident. He also saved his younger cousin who is only a middle school student. 

Arif said the passengers panicked as the boat was tilting and the water pouring in. He said the boat "suddenly capsized".

During the ordeal, Arif was able to avoid the worst and swim, but then he heard his younger cousin screaming. Arif then attempted to help the boy.

In an interview with Antara, Arif remembered telling his cousin: "Don't you hold my body, but I will just hold your shirt, because if you hold my body, we will drown together."

"Alhamdulillah, we managed to survive," said Arif. Six of his family members, however, died in the incident.

The police also has questioned Saharuddin (50) who is identified as the boatman. He is also a resident of Lagili village.

Ahmad Akbar Fua and Huyogo Simbolon contributed to this report.