The Kalebi ferryboat with 26 passengers and vehicles onboard ran aground at Gili Lebur, located east of Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, after leaving from Kayangan Port, Lombok, to Poto Tano Port, Sumbawa on Thursday, January 3. No passengers were hurt.
According to Mataram Search and Rescue Agency spokesperson, I Gusti Lanang Wiswananda, the ferry had run aground "due to strong wind and heavy rain.”
He added there were no fatalities in the incident, even though there had been a problem in the evacuation due to the high tide and heavy rain.
The rescue personnel successfully evacuated the travelers to Poto Tano Port Thursday afternoon, using Marina Quinta ferry.
In addition to the 26 passengers, the ferry was carrying 32 motorbikes, 6 cars, 4 medium-sized trucks, 3 small trucks, one large and one medium-sized bus.
According to ASDP Kayangan Port head, Cuk Prayitno, the ferry had run aground "while trying to avoid other ships."