LABUAN BAJO, Indonesia — A wooden tourist vessel sank Friday night after being struck by high waves in the waters off Padar Island, within Komodo National Park, leaving four people missing and prompting an overnight search and rescue operation in eastern Indonesia.
The boat, a traditional Indonesian pinisi named Putri Sakinah, went down in the Padar Strait on the evening of December 26, according to local maritime authorities. Eleven people were on board at the time of the incident, including foreign tourists.
Seven passengers were rescued by a joint search and rescue team, while four others remained unaccounted for as of Saturday morning.
“Four people have not yet been found,” Edy Suryono, coordinator of the West Manggarai Search and Rescue Post, said on December 27. He confirmed that rescue efforts continued into the early hours but were hampered by sea conditions.
According to Stephanus Risdiyanto, head of the Class III Labuan Bajo Harbor Master and Port Authority (KSOP), the vessel encountered dangerous wave conditions shortly before sinking. He said the incident occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time, with waves reported to exceed two meters in height.
Search teams, composed of maritime authorities, rescue personnel and local responders, conducted operations through the night, focusing on the waters surrounding Padar Island, a popular destination for tourists exploring Komodo National Park by sea.
Officials have not yet released a detailed account of how the vessel sank, nor have they confirmed the identities or nationalities of the four missing passengers. Authorities said further information would be provided once verified.
The incident underscores the risks associated with maritime travel in eastern Indonesia, particularly during periods of unstable weather. December marks a seasonal transition in the region, when changing wind patterns can rapidly alter sea conditions, even in waters frequently used by tour operators.
Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracts thousands of international visitors each year, many of whom rely on small and medium-sized boats to move between islands. While pinisi vessels are widely used and culturally iconic, maritime officials continue to stress the importance of weather awareness, operational caution, and adherence to safety protocols.
As search efforts continue, authorities are urging operators and travelers alike to prioritize safety and heed official advisories when navigating these waters.
VIDEO: “God, are we sinking?”
— Hey Bali (@Heybaliinfo) December 27, 2025
A terrifying night at sea near Padar Island, Komodo National Park.https://t.co/X6mca7HXNn#VIDEO #Komodo #PadarIsland #LabuanBajo #Indonesia #BreakingNews #SeaConditions #ExtremeWeather #MaritimeSafety #BaliTravel #HeyBaliNews pic.twitter.com/Myal561uQa
