At least thirteen people are missing after an oil tanker, identified as KM Azula, sank in the Arafura sea off Papua, Indonesia, during the weekend, local media reported.
The search and rescue teams, including Angora search and rescue teams, police and navy personnel, continued their efforts on Tuesday in an increased search area radius of up to 105 miles from the site, as they haven’t found any of the missing crew members.
The only traces of the missing crew found so far in the vicinity were a lifeboat and a life jacket.
Inclement weather at the site is hampering search efforts and the authorities are considering sending divers to assist with the operations.
KM Azula reportedly sank as it started taking on water after it sailed into a shallow water area.
The authorities will conduct an investigation into the exact cause of the incident.
World Maritime News Staff