Search operations intensify as authorities race to locate the newly built vessel carrying three people between islands in South Sulawesi.

A newly constructed sea ambulance has been reported missing in the Makassar Strait, Indonesia, after losing communication during a routine inter-island voyage. The vessel, carrying three individuals, was traveling from Tinggalungan Island to Dewakkang Island in the Pangkajene Islands Regency (Pangkep) of South Sulawesi when contact was abruptly lost. The journey, which began on Monday, October 13, 2025, was expected to take about eight hours.

According to the Makassar branch of Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency (BASARNAS), a dedicated search operation was immediately launched following the loss of communication. The rescue team deployed the state search vessel KN SAR 104 Kamajaya to scour the surrounding waters. Despite poor visibility and challenging sea conditions, rescuers continue to focus their efforts along the vessel’s expected route and nearby coastal areas.

Family members of those missing have appealed to authorities for faster search efforts, while local residents have joined in by patrolling nearby coastal zones. BASARNAS officials have stated that coordination with local fishermen and coastal stations remains ongoing to widen the search perimeter and collect any possible sightings or debris.

The incident highlights the growing risks faced by maritime operations in Indonesia’s island-rich regions, where sea transport remains the lifeline for medical, educational, and emergency services. As the search continues, authorities urge caution to all vessels operating in the Makassar Strait, particularly given the unpredictable weather and strong currents that often challenge smaller crafts navigating the area.