play_arrow

keyboard_arrow_right

Listeners:

Top listeners:

skip_previous skip_next
00:00 00:00
playlist_play chevron_left
volume_up
  • cover play_arrow

Indonesia Mourning Tourists Killed In Boat Tragedy

Background

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

JAKARTA (Worthy News) – The tourist industry on Indonesia’s Sumatra island has been plunged into mourning after authorities confirmed at least eight domestic tourists were killed and 34 others injured when a wooden vessel sank in Bengkulu province. Previous estimates spoke of seven killed.

Muslikun Sodik, head of the Bengkulu Province Search and Rescue Office, told media that the incident occurred on Sunday at around 16:30 local time.

The boat, carrying 98 local tourists and six crew members, was returning to Bengkulu City from Tikus Island when it sank, witnesses said. The journey typically lasts between 40 and 60 minutes.

“When the ship was approaching Bengkulu City, it experienced engine failure amid bad weather with strong winds and high waves,” Sodik told the media.

“The ship was hit by huge waves, struck a reef, and began leaking before it sank,” he added.

“Seven people were killed, 15 others were rushed to RSHD Bengkulu, and 19 more were taken to the Bhayangkara Police Hospital in the province,” Sodik said.

Christians living in the area told Worthy News that weather may have played a role as there are “a lot of storms on Sumatra island.”

MORE TRAGEDIES

It was the latest tragedy to hit the region after last week at least 12 people were reportedly killed and more than five others injured in a single-vehicle bus accident in Padang Panjang city in West Sumatra province..

The incident involved a bus operated by the Antar Lintas Sumatra (ALS) company, traveling the Medan-Jakarta route. The bus reportedly lost control and overturned after experiencing a brake failure.

“The ALS bus experienced brake failure while moving at high speed. It failed to negotiate a bend and rolled over,” said Arkes Refagus, head of the transport department in Padang Panjang.

He added that the bus rolled to the left and struck a house fence. “The driver survived as he was seated on the right side, while the bus overturned to the left,” Refagus told Chinese news agency Xinhua.

The bus was reportedly carrying 25 passengers. All the victims were transported to two local hospitals.

Separately, in late March, four people were killed and three injured in Sukoharjo Regency when a train and a car collided, officials said.

The accident took place at a railway crossing on Pasarangutar Street. “Seeing this, everyone’s soul trembled,” a journalist commented. Feni Novida Saragih, a spokesperson for Indonesia’s state-owned railway company, said all the victims were immediately rushed to the hospital.

Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.


Latest News from Worthy News

Trump Signals ‘Wind-Down Of Iran War’ As Markets Tumble (Worthy News In-Depth)
Trump Signals ‘Wind-Down Of Iran War’ As Markets Tumble (Worthy News In-Depth)
Saturday, March 21, 2026

In a setback to those hoping for regime change in the Islamic Republic, U.S. President Donald J. Trump signaled Friday that he may begin “winding down” military operations against Iran, saying Washington is close to achieving its objectives.

US Vice President Vance To Visit Hungary Ahead Of Crucial Election; CPAC Gathers Global Conservative Figures
US Vice President Vance To Visit Hungary Ahead Of Crucial Election; CPAC Gathers Global Conservative Figures
Saturday, March 21, 2026

U.S. Vice President JD Vance is expected to visit Hungary in a last-minute show of support for Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who faces his toughest election since returning to power in 2010, officials familiar with the planning confirmed.

Anti-Immigration, Local Parties Surge In Dutch Municipal Elections
Anti-Immigration, Local Parties Surge In Dutch Municipal Elections
Friday, March 20, 2026

Anti-immigration and local parties made gains in municipal elections in the Netherlands, where concerns over rising migration from mainly Islamic countries, the financial impact of climate policies, and increased defense spending have dominated national and local debates.

Israel To Spare Energy Sites After Gas Strikes Trigger Market Shock; Iran Warns Of ‘Zero Restraint’
Israel To Spare Energy Sites After Gas Strikes Trigger Market Shock; Iran Warns Of ‘Zero Restraint’
Friday, March 20, 2026

Israel signaled Thursday it would refrain from further attacks on energy infrastructure after a strike on Iran’s vast South Pars natural gas field triggered retaliatory strikes across the Middle East, sending oil and natural gas prices sharply higher and raising fears of a wider regional escalation.

EU Leaders Rebuke Hungary’s Orbán Over Blocked 90 Billion Euro Ukraine Loan
EU Leaders Rebuke Hungary’s Orbán Over Blocked 90 Billion Euro Ukraine Loan
Friday, March 20, 2026

European Union leaders condemned Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s decision on Thursday to block a 90 billion euro ($98 billion) loan for Ukraine, linking his stance to a dispute with Kyiv over Russian oil supplies.

Concerns Grow For Christians In Iranian Prisons Amid Strikes
Concerns Grow For Christians In Iranian Prisons Amid Strikes
Friday, March 20, 2026

Families and friends of scores of Christians held in Iranian prisons have requested prayers as “concerns for their well-being grow and communication has all but ceased” amid ongoing U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran, Christians told Worthy News Thursday.

Republicans Defend, Democrats Vilify GOP Voter ID Bill
Republicans Defend, Democrats Vilify GOP Voter ID Bill
Thursday, March 19, 2026

As a marathon debate over the SAVE America Act continues in the U.S. Senate, Republicans and Democrats are sparring over whether the voter ID bill would strengthen election security or discourage potential voters.

WHO WE ARE

The Psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs encapsulate the beauty, wisdom, and eternal truths found in the Bible, creating an immersive experience that resonates with believers and seekers alike.

CONTACT