Mentawai Fast 01 runs aground in Muara Padang, 250 safe
Storms and high waves left the fast boat from Tua Pejat with a dead engine, trapping passengers for about three hours.
The fast boat MV Mentawai Fast 01 ran aground as it was entering the mouth of the Batang Arau River in Padang, West Sumatra, on Friday (14/8), after being hit by storms and sea swells. The vessel, sailing from Tua Pejat, Kepulauan Mentawai, also suffered engine failure. At least 250 passengers were trapped on board for about three hours before a joint SAR team evacuated them. Another boat was then used to tow Mentawai Fast 01 away from the grounding site. Police personnel also helped passengers disembark at Muara Padang. All passengers were reported safe and the evacuation proceeded without incident.