Crew forced to jump into sea as huge coaster crushes fishing vessel

A total of 15 sailors have been rescued after a cargo ship struck the fishing vessel KMN Harapan Baru on Tuesday (5Jul22), causing it to sink off the coast of Tanakeke Island in the Indonesian province of South Sulawesi.

The fishing trawler was being pulled to the nearest port after its engine broke, when the vessel veered into the shipping line of the oncoming cargo ship, reports NewsFlare.

A video taken at the scene shows Harapan Baru hitting the back of the small boat with its bow. The wooden fishing boat spins around and then rapidly disintegrates.

In a statement, South Sulawesi regional police commissioner Komang Suartana says:

“The fishing boat was being pulled by another boat when it was hit by the KMN Harapan Baru off the waters of Tanakeke Island. The fishing boat nearly split apart. All the crew jumped into the sea to save themselves.”

The cargo ship company has reportedly confirmed it will compensate the owner of the fishing boat for damages.