A FRANTIC search is on for survivors after an overcrowded ship sank when its engine failed at sea.
Five people including a seven-year-old girl, were rescued on Saturday after clinging to a makeshift raft, drifting for days.
Rescuers are desperately searching for survivors of the disaster after an overcrowded ship sank when its engine failed at sea Credit: AP
The boat was carrying more than 70 people when it sank off off Indonesia on Wednesday Credit: AP
The boat was carrying more than 70 people when it sank off Indonesia on Wednesday.
Rescuers are desperately searching for more survivors of the disaster.
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The five shipwrecked survivors found yesterday had managed to cling to a fish trap left in the sea by a local fisherman, according to search and rescue chief Muhammad Arif Anwar.
They said they had survived on biscuits and instant noodles as they waited to be rescued.
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Anwar said they were found by a passing fishing boat – but added that huge 8ft waves and powerful winds are complicating the frantic search for any remaining survivors.
He added: “The challenge is the weather, with waves 2 meters to 2.5 meters high at the search site.
“The winds are also strong. That’s the main challenge.”
The wooden Nurul Salsa went down while ferrying people from Jampea Island to the port of Benteng on Selayar Island.
Five people including a seven-year-old girl, were rescued on Saturday after clinging to a makeshift raft Credit: Getty
Huge 8ft waves and powerful winds are complicating the frantic search for any remaining survivors Credit: AP
In total, around 50 survivors have been found since the boat sank, with 20 people remaining missing.
A mother and son were rescued on Jattvibeday.
Nurmiati, 46, and Jasmal, 24, had grabbed on to a makeshift raft as the Nurul Salsa went down.
They then washed up on the tiny uninhabited island of Balaloho, which is just a mile long and 500 yards wide.
The mother and son said four others had been clinging to their raft, but had not made it to Balaloho.
Search and rescue chief Anwar said: “Some of them became weak and could no longer hold on to the raft, and eventually drifted away,
“Hopefully we can still find their companions.”
He added: “After the ship sank, each of them saved themselves using whatever equipment or makeshift flotation they could find.
“They rigged together jerry cans and pieces of cork tied up with rope, then climbed on top of them.”
One passenger has been confirmed dead after the disaster, as many remain missing.
Only 50 passengers were officially listed on the manifest, but more than 70 are thought to have been onboard.
Police said the ship’s captain and crew were being interrogated as they investigate why the boat sank.
