A speedboat carrying 18 passengers capsized in the Sipora Strait off West Sumatra’s Mentawai Islands on Monday, leaving 17 people rescued and one still missing, local authorities reported.

The incident occurred amid severe weather conditions, prompting ongoing search and rescue operations.

The vessel, which set out from Sikakap Island at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time en route to Sipora Island, overturned around 11:00 a.m., according to the Mentawai Islands Search and Rescue Office. Among the passengers were several children.

Initial reports indicated 11 individuals were unaccounted for, but by Tuesday morning, 10 of those had been found alive, bringing the total number of survivors to 17.

Rudi Ihu, head of the Search and Rescue Office, stated that strong currents, waves, and winds aided many survivors in reaching the coast. "The extreme weather and large waves likely caused the capsizing," Ihu said, citing survivor accounts and preliminary investigations.

Rescue efforts, bolstered by local authorities and community volunteers, continue to search for the remaining missing person. The condition of the rescued passengers has not been disclosed, and no fatalities have been confirmed.

Maritime accidents are frequent in Indonesia’s archipelagic regions, especially during the monsoon season, when rough seas and unpredictable weather pose significant risks to small vessels. Authorities are urging heightened caution for maritime travel in the region. (ILKHA)